Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will include a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 in the recent physical education grant of €2000 that went to all established primary schools. [41297/06]

Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will appoint a special liaison departmental person to ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 has current facilities, at least on a par with other primary schools in the greater Ballyfermot area. [41298/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 475, 476 together.

Last month I announced a special €6.5m package for primary schools to renew PE equipment. Under the package, schools received €2,000 towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment in their school. This grant issued together with the annual minor works grant which I have increased by 44%. This funding package is being made as part of this Government's continued commitment to modernise facilities in schools throughout the country. It remains a priority for me to ensure that all schools are resourced and facilities are improved where necessary.

Schools may also use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula including Physical Education. The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

A start-up grant of €6,348.69 was also paid to the school last August. This grant is 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.

I have asked the Department to investigate the position with regard to the grants in question and revert to the school referred to by the Deputies as soon as possible.