Written answers
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Department of Education and Science
Capitation Grants
9:00 pm
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on an increase in the capitation grant allocation to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18891/07]
Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.
The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from â¬57.14 to â¬163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.
The capitation grant is in addition to the Ancillary Services Grant which provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from â¬102 per pupil in 2002 to the current rate of â¬145.50 per pupil.
Under the new Programme for Government, we are committed to doubling the standard capitation grant for primary schools over the next five years. Grants to schools for the employment of secretaries and caretakers will also be increased significantly.
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