Written answers

Tuesday, 17 October 2006

Department of Education and Science

Departmental Funding

7:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the funding needs of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if her attention has been drawn to the initiatives taken by the school in providing a resource for the children of the area and the need to sustain these initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32991/06]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Primary schools' running costs have been traditionally met by the Department's scheme of capitation grants which are the main source of funding for the running costs of primary schools. The scheme of funding is flexible in nature and affords Boards of Management discretion as to how the funding is used in meeting schools' day-to-day running costs.

The capitation grant to primary schools has been increased substantially in recent years. The standard capitation grant at primary level, which stood at £45 (€57.14) in 1997, increased to €121.58 per pupil with effect from 1st January, 2004. It was increased by a further €12.00 per pupil with effect from 1st January, 2005 bringing it to €133.58 per pupil. The rate has been increased by a further €12 with effect from 1st January, 2006 bringing the rate to €145.58 per pupil.

Funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in new primary schools is provided under the Ancillary Services grant scheme. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme, which was increased from €102 in 2002 to €127 in 2004, was increased by a further €6 to €133 in 2005. The rate has been increased by a further €6 this year bringing the rate to €139. The amount of grant paid to an individual school under both the capitation and ancillary services grant scheme is determined by the enrolment in the school, subject to a minimum grant in the case of a school with 60 pupils or less. There is also a start-up grant available to enable new schools to purchase equipment, furniture, teaching and administrative materials and to cover insurance and other costs attendant with the operation of a new school. The rate of this start-up grant is €6,348.69. The school referred to by the Deputy qualified for this grant.

I understand that local management is currently finalising arrangements to draw down child care funding to support the establishment of a preschool service for 3-4 year old children in the area. The school will be considered for supports under the DEIS initiative's School Support Programme in the context of new schools (including those created through amalgamation) opening in the 2005/06 school year and thereafter.

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