Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

That is absolutely where we want to get to. That is why we need to make sure the capitation grant covers the basics. We must also try to reduce, where we can, the basics for schools as well, such as through reducing electricity costs with the investment in solar panels and the retrofitting that is happening. New school buildings have much lower energy bills because of their rating. The cost of insurance for some schools is exorbitant. It is about bringing those costs down for schools in order that there is a balance. We absolutely need to make sure that any extra funding parents are being asked for does not go towards day-to-day costs. There is work to be done in that area to try to continue to increase the capitation grant. If schools are struggling - and I say this every time – I ask them to please reach out and to engage with us in order that the Department can support them, if that is what is needed.