Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the cost pressures on schools, including those arising from water charges, and it is therefore a priority for the Government to improve funding for the day-to-day running costs of schools. Specific commitments on improving school funding form a central part of the education provisions of the programme for Government. These commitments are a direct follow-on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of schools, primary schools in particular.

Primary schools are receiving over €178 per pupil to meet their day-to-day running costs, representing an increase of nearly 70% over the 2002 rate of €105, and €15 more per child than they received last year. Post-primary schools have also seen improvements in funding and, owing to a similar €15 increase this year, they now receive €331 per pupil. As the Deputy will be aware, we are committed to doubling the capitation grant for primary schools over the lifetime of the programme for Government.

In the context of reducing water costs for schools, it has been demonstrated that fitting simple water-saving devices to toilets and sinks can reduce water consumption considerably at very little cost, as can other small works such as fixing easily identifiable leaks. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to fund such measures. The minor works grant has increased by nearly 50% over the past two years and some €27 million was issued to primary schools at the end of last year for that purpose.

The Government agreed a transition period to full water charges in the case of non-fee-charging recognised schools and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised local authorities of the detailed arrangements regarding the implementation of this decision.

The transitional arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place water conservation arrangements and practices and to undertake works that can help reduce water usage significantly before full water charges are introduced. By virtue of good water conservation, schools can be in a much stronger position to reduce the impact of water charges on their overall budgets.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Guidance was also recently issued to schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. Furthermore, those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.

My Department remains in close liaison with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any initiatives by it and local authorities that will help reduce water costs for schools.

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