Written answers
Tuesday, 4 April 2006
Department of Education and Science
Capitation Grants
9:00 pm
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that the capitation grant of €133 per pupil is sufficient to cover the basic costs of running a primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13573-06]
Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. The grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of national schools. The capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. The standard rate of capitation grant increased from €57.14 per pupil in 1997 to €133.58 with effect from 1 January 2005, and it has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January 2006, bringing the standard rate to €145.58. That represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.
The significant increase in the funding of schools in the primary sector in recent years is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of primary schools.
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