Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Department’s voted estimate for capital and current expenditure for 2024 stands at €10.9 billion. This represents an increase of over €2.8 billion or 35% since 2019, which is significant. This is the third largest budget across government, and the largest ever investment in our schools. It indicates the strong commitment to investment in education by this Government.

In the lead-up to the 2025 budget, as Minister for Education I will continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the programme for Government and to support students, staff and families in the education sector. Over the past four years, I have delivered substantial increases in investment in our education system and I remain committed to the vision of a world-class education system for all.

My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants.

The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general upkeep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding, which is provided for general running costs, and ancillary funding, which is provided for caretaking and secretarial services, as a common grant from which the board of management can allocate according to its priorities.

The current standard rate of capitation grant is €183 per pupil in primary schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Primary schools also receive an ancillary services grant. The standard rate is €173 per pupil in primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the full capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.

In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding was the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day costs. A further €40 million in funding was delivered earlier this year.

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