Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 1345: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 491 of 20 June 2006, the steps she is taking to address the issue of equity in relation to funding for voluntary second level schools; her plans to improve the funding position of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29454/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Significant improvements in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools have been made in recent years. In addition to the increases in the standard per capita grant that now stands at €298 per pupil from January last, voluntary secondary schools have benefitted additionally by the introduction of grants under the School Services Support initiative. The standard support services grant that was increased to €107 from January 2006, has been enhanced in the case of voluntary secondary schools by a further €10 per pupil since January 2006 bringing the overall grant for such schools to €159 per pupil. This enhanced grant of €52 per pupil is paid in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 (€44.44 per pupil) per annum that have also been approved for voluntary secondary schools. Schools have considerable discretion as to how this funding is best utilised in the interests of their pupils and schools. My approach has clearly shown my commitment to improving further the funding position of second level schools in the light of available resources and to addressing the issue of equity highlighted by the voluntary school sector.