Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the capitation grant is much lower in primary schools than at second level; her plans to redress this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10857/07]

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 5,000 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 to €163.58 per pupil. 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 have been 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.