I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak to the motion. I thank my colleagues, Deputies O'Connor and Curran, for sharing time with me.

I am baffled as to the reason the motion is before the House because this sector has seen increases year on year well ahead of inflation. School funding has dramatically increased under the Government, with increases never dreamed of ten years ago. There will always be negativity in the House, regardless of what the Government achieves in whatever Department.

Total expenditure on education this year will be in excess of €9.3 billion. That is inclusive of the additional €690 million provided in this year's budget. That is a huge slice of the overall Government budget and one that should not be derided.

Focusing on primary schools funding, approximately €167 million will be paid to meet day-to-day running costs. On the subject of capitation grants, the standard rate has been increased by almost 100% since 2001, with schools currently receiving almost €179 per pupil compared to a little over €95 in 2001. A total of €97.4 million will be expended by the Department of Education and Science this year under the capitation grants scheme. As all Members are aware, the amount of grant paid to a school is determined by the enrolment in the school, subject to a minimum grant in the case of a school with less than 60 pupils, which, to be parochial for one moment like my colleague, would be the case in many schools in my constituency of Donegal North East. It is also worth noting that gaelscoileanna outside Gaeltacht areas also receive an additional €25.39 per pupil. Enhanced rates of capitation funding are also provided in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €457 to €880 per pupil.

Ancillary services grants have also seen a significant rise in recent years, providing more funding for schools to cover the cost of secretaries and caretakers. This grant is also based on pupil numbers, with primary schools receiving just over €151 per pupil. In addition to the funds mentioned, each primary school with full recognition receives a minor works grant composed of a €5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil on the rolls on 30 September of the year prior to issue of the grant.

Under the DEIS, the Government is striving to ensure those suffering from disadvantage will be looked after. Some 873 schools were invited to participate in the programme, of which 670 are primary schools and 203 second level schools. A large number of schools in my constituency of Donegal North East come under the DEIS plan and I see at first hand the benefits enjoyed by the children attending these schools. Almost €14 million in additional grant assistance was issued to primary schools to address educational disadvantage in November 2007. In addition to this extra financial assistance for schools participating in the DEIS, other benefits are also provided for them by way of pre-school intervention, reduced pupil-teacher ratios etc.

The programme for Government commits to increasing day-to-day funding for our schools and will double capitation grants for primary schools over five years. It also commits to increase grants to schools significantly for the employment of support staff. It sets out our commitment to continue providing top-class education for our children. There have been problems with class sizes, special needs etc., but the Minister is making progress on these issues. The Minister must be commended on the positive changes she has brought about in education during her tenure.

Like in other counties, some schools are waiting on extensions and renovations in County Donegal. The most pertinent sites are St. Eunan's College in Letterkenny, Lurgybrack, Glenswilly and the Boys School national schools in Letterkenny. The Minister has been working with me for some time on these issues. I hope in due course the extensions and new buildings for these schools will be delivered, like the Minister has done for other schools in County Donegal.

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