Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details of the annual grants paid to second level schools including details of minimum or maximum limits attaching to each grant; the dates during the past five years on which each grant was awarded by her Department to schools; the rate at which each grant was awarded in each of the past five years; the overall total expended by her Department on each grant in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33312/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding. All schools submit a return of pupil enrolments based on the number attending as at 30th September each year and capitation payments are based on this. Considerable flexibility in the use of these resources is provided to schools thus allowing them to prioritise expenditures, as appropriate. Since 2000, the standard per capita and support services grant has been increased for voluntary secondary schools as set out in the tables which follow this response. In addition, individual schools may be eligible for grants ranging from school book grants, curricular support grants such as for Transition Year and Leaving Certificate Applied, etc. The extent of information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

(ii) School Services Support grant rates

The School Services Support fund was established in September 2000. The fund is linked to school size and is in addition to all existing funding arrangements. The per capita rates have been increased for voluntary secondary schools, as follows: