asked the Minister for Education the increased cost of insurance for (a) primary and (b) second level schools, following the abolition of the malicious damages scheme on 15 July last; and if additional funds will be provided in these schools to meet the additional cost.
Written Answers. - School Insurance.
228.
I understand that the implementation of the Malicious Injuries (Amendment) Act, 1986, will lead to increases of varying amounts in national schools' insurance premiums. The matter of the additional costs will be considered when the question of an increase in the capitation grant for 1987 is being examined.
In the case of secondary schools, the question of insurance is a matter for the school authorities. My Department has no information on the cost of such insurance.
In the case of vocational schools, the question of insurance is a matter for each vocational education committee which meets such costs from its annual budget which is derived mainly from Exchequer funds. The Department is not aware of the additional cost, if any, involved for VECs in 1986. The State carries its own insurance in respect of community and comprehensive schools and, accordingly, the question of increased cost for such schools does not arise.