John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that funding is provided to a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19020/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not make specific provision in relation to the cost of transporting pupils to swimming venues. However, primary schools may use their capitation grant, which has been increased substantially in recent years, for such purposes. 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.

Under the new Programme for Government, we are committed to doubling the standard capitation grant for primary schools over the next five years.