John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the levels of capitation fees paid to primary or national schools; the movement of rates over the past 10 years; the commitments made for future movements; if she will increase capitation fees; if payments to primary schools are currently the same whether the school is primary, voluntary, gaelscoil or educate together; and if rates will be outlined and consideration given to possible increases in 2007. [27171/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. 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. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased by almost 155%.

The standard rate of capitation grant per pupil from 1997 to date at Primary level is as follows:

Year 1996/97 — £45.00 (€57.14)

Year 1997/98 — £50.00 (€63.49)

Year 1998/99 — £60.00 (€76.18)

Year 1999/00 — £64.00 (€81.26)

Year 2000/01 — £75.50 (€95.87)

Year 2001/02 — €105.00

Year 2002/03 — €111.58

Year 2004 — €121.58

Year 2005 — €133.58

Year 2006 — €145.58.

Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €400.00 to €619.50 per pupil.

The standard rate of capitation grant is paid to all primary schools except Gaelscoileanna located outside of Gaeltacht areas which receive an additional €25.39 per pupil over and above the standard rate grant.

The latest increases in the level of capitation grant are 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 as part of the normal Estimates process and in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.