Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government states, "We will set out capitation rates to schools on a rolling 3-year basis, allowing for forward planning." The reality is that capitation grants were cut from €200 per child to €170 by the former Government, a cut of 15%. As a result, most primary schools are relying on fundraising by parents to make up the shortfall in funding. I know this at first hand as I am on a board of management and I know the difficulties we have in trying to make up the shortfall by fundraising. This is putting huge pressure on parents and schools. When will this Government restore the capitation grant and properly fund our primary schools?

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