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

The Deputy has raised several issues. The Comptroller and Auditor General indicated clearly that any supports we provide should be targeted at students in disadvantaged areas. Therefore, I have ensured that funding is targeted at DEIS schools.

Deputy O'Mahony did not refer to the increase in the capitation grant this year. It is true that some grants have been withdrawn but the reality is that there has been a significant increase in capitation to the primary sector. Neither did the Deputy refer to the enhanced rates of capitation funding paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rate ranges from €512 to €986 per pupil, an increase of 59% since 2006. My objective is to offer flexibility to schools by allowing them to decide on their own priorities for capitation funding.

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