Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 716: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to increase capitation grants payable to primary school management authorities to a level that adequately reflect the costs of running modern well equipped schools in the 21st century; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19315/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.

The capitation grant for primary schools has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from £45, €57.14, per pupil to €121.58 with effect from 1 January 2004 and has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January 2005 bringing the standard rate to €133.58. This represents an increase of almost 134% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

The latest increase in the level of capitation grant is a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of primary schools. The question of increasing the rate of grant in the future will be considered in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.