Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Charles Flanagan and Eoghan Murphy for raising this sensitive issue. I welcome the opportunity to clarify the position on it.

fee-charging schools do not receive capitation grants from the Department. Teacher allocations are approved annually in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolments. The most favourable staffing arrangements at post-primary level are targeted at disadvantaged schools. As Deputy Charles Flanagan indicated, all DEIS post-primary schools operate on the basis of a standard allocation of 18.25:1. All fee-charging schools operate on the basis of a standard allocation of 21:1. All other post-primary schools operate on the basis of a standard allocation of 19:1. The most recent statistics show that more than 25,600 pupils attend fee-charging schools. In total, there are 55 fee-paying schools, on which the State spends approximately €100 million. This money is spent entirely on teachers' salaries. As part of budget 2012, the standard staffing allocation for fee-charging schools was increased from 20:1 to 21:1.

I also announced in budget 2012 that the Department would conduct an analysis of tuition fee income available to schools in the sector and its utilisation. This analysis will inform future policy on the potential extent and nature of Exchequer investment, including funding for teacher posts in the fee-charging sector. The analysis conducted by the Department involves looking at the level of fee income based on fee rates and pupil numbers. It has taken account of Exchequer investment forgone, in terms of teacher allocations and recurrent grants, because such schools are charging fees. In this way, the additional or discretionary income available to fee-charging schools relative to other schools can be assessed. This information was shared with the schools involved and each was provided with an opportunity to provide further information on its finances and liabilities that might impact on the level of income available to it. This analysis is nearing completion and the final report will feed into the consideration of the budget. As I have said on several occasions, no decisions have yet been taken on the forthcoming budget. However, the Cabinet must examine all available options.

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