Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the level of the capitation charge for third level education; the increases in the third level capitation charge for each year since 2002 to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40195/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible for means tested student support grant have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.

The student charge is paid by the students on an academic year basis. The level of the charge for each year since 2002 is as follows:

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the situation in which approximately half the amount is spent per primary pupil per year than per third level pupil per year. [40198/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Each sector in the education system has specific funding requirements which derive from the length, complexity and nature of the education/training courses being provided.

My aim is to ensure that all sectors have adequate resources, including financial resources, to enable schools and colleges to effectively deliver quality education and training programmes.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that overall provision for primary education has increased dramatically in recent years — from circa €1.9 billion in 2002 to almost €2.9 billion in 2006. The 2007 Estimate provides nearly €3.2 billion for primary education — this represents a 70% increase since 2002. The corresponding increases between 2002 and 2007 for the second and third level sectors are 54% and 40% respectively.

The Deputy will be aware that staffing levels in our primary schools have improved dramatically in recent years, with 4,000 extra primary teachers put in place since 2002. Particular attention has also been paid to improving funding to primary schools to meet their day-to-day running costs.

Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level was increased from €57.14 per pupil to €145.58 with effect from 1st January, 2006. From 1st January next the standard per capita grant will be increased by a further €18 per pupil bringing the overall capitation grant per pupil at primary level to €163.58. This represents an increase of 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997. In addition, the already enhanced rates of capitation grant payable in respect of pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in ordinary primary schools are being significantly increased. Depending on the particular category of special need involved, increases in this area range from 30% to 53% with an increase of 96% applying to the physical disability category. The latest increases in the level of capitation grant are a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of schools in the primary sector.