Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 224: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the average annual cost of insurance incurred by both primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas; if she will provide a breakdown of these costs on a school basis; and the details of assistance provided by her Department in meeting such costs. [8642/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 225: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the average waiting period for admission to each of the primary and secondary schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8. [8643/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 226: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children attending each of the primary and secondary schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 who were born outside the State. [8644/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 227: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children attending each of the primary and secondary schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 who do not have English as their first language. [8645/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 to 227, inclusive, together.

I am not aware of the cost of insurance incurred by individual primary and secondary schools as it is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools to arrange insurance cover on school property and against public liability.

Funding is provided to primary and secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which afford schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils.

There have been significant improvements in the level of funding provided to primary and post-primary schools. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €133.58 with effect from 1 January 2005 and has recently been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January 2006, bringing the standard rate to €145.58. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level since 1997.

At second level, the standard per capita grant, which stood at €256 per pupil in the school year 2001-02, has been increased by a further €12 to €298 per pupil from January 2006. Under the school services support fund initiative, secondary schools will also benefit from the further significant increases. The grant that was increased for secondary schools from €131 per pupil in January 2005 to €145 per pupil, has been increased by a further €14 per pupil to €159 per pupil from January 2006. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. A secondary school with 500 pupils now receives annual grants of up to €270,000 towards general expenses and support services as against annual grants of up to €237,000 in 2002.

These significant increases in the funding of primary and post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the average waiting period for admission and children born outside the State and children who do not have English as their first language is not available as schools are not required to return this information to my Department.