John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 869: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason there has been no increase in grant aid for the secondary education committee in 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14802/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Protestant Block Grant. There are 55 fee-charging second level schools in the country, of which 21 are Protestant. The latter schools receive funding by way of the Protestant Block Grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant persuasion to attend schools, which reflect their denominational ethos.

The Block Grant is payable to the Secondary Education Committee for distribution among qualifying Protestant children to enable them attend a Protestant secondary school, all of which charge fees. The method of calculation is broadly similar to the per capita grants payable to schools under the Free Education Scheme and the Block Grant has increased accordingly over the years in line with per capita increases.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 870: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will facilitate an appeal in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14808/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers is under consideration and contact will be made with the school management authority directly as soon as a decision is taken.