Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. It is clear for all of us that schools are saying they need more support. We can do that in two ways. I outlined last week that first it is around capitation, direct funding and direct supports, but also looking at other ways in which we could reduce costs, whether it is insurance, energy bills or other areas. We are working on that. As the Deputy mentioned, the increase has happened in the past few weeks. The €200 grant has gone to €224. Thankfully, schools will see that increase. That comes from a variation in different funding streams. There was the permanent increase through the budget that was achieved last year, as well as funding that was provided through the cost-of-living package. What the budget looks like this year, with cost-of-living packages overall across every Department, is something that has to be worked through. My engagement with officials in the Department of public expenditure on this has not yet started to that extent. The Deputy can take it that from my part I will look to make sure that we do not decrease or stay the same and our capitation increases. That is what I will be working towards. I cannot give a commitment on that.