Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will immediately convey what the Deputy has said about Bantry and the issue of the ancillary grant. Like the Deputy, many of the representatives here are hearing about that issue directly from schools in our own particular areas. I will make a few additional points. On the reviews, the model has set allocations for the forthcoming year such that 30% will have no change in their allocation, 37% will see an increase in their allocation and 23% of schools will see a reduction of five hours or less in their allocation. The reduction at the level of individual schools is being driven primarily by changes in demographics and reductions in enrolments, particularly in the primary sector.

On the broader issue, a phased high-level plan has been compiled to further enhance the model over the coming years. This will be based on a number of criteria. One is the development of a revised process for resourcing new schools as obviously there are new schools coming along. Another is a mechanism for the transfer of resources between the primary and post-primary levels based on changing demographics. We are heading into a significant issue at post-primary level. A third criterion is an examination of geographically isolated schools. That may be relevant to some schools in the Deputy's constituency. Another is an examination of the additional data potentially available in schools or other areas within the early years setting, which could support greater sensitivity in the model. That is essentially what the Deputy is asking for. One blanket rule does not always fit all schools. Greater sensitivity is needed on these issues.

As I have said, a number of appeals or reviews have been conducted so far. As a result, a number of schools had their profile re-examined, resulting in an average of 13 extra hours per school. The reviews that have been completed to date have resulted in an average of 13 extra hours per school. Schools will be notified of their allocation by the end of this month.

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