Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Smith for raising this issue. I know this is an issue close to his heart. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to all schools. Last year, the then Department of Education provided per capita grants to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. There are two grants: the capitation grant and the ancillary grant. Schools have flexibility to manage these grants as a combined fund. The current capitation rate for primary schools is €200 per pupil and the ancillary grant is €173. As part of last year's budget for 2025, the Department secured more than €30 million for a permanent increase in capitation funding. This represents a 12% increase on current standard enhanced rates and follows a 9% increase on budget 2024.

From September this year, the new capitation rates will be €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per pupil in post-primary schools.

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