Written answers

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Department of Education and Skills

Capitation Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 443: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will negotiate with An Post to allow schools an exemption from the television licence fee particularly in view of the fact that there is no educational programming for schools, that they are being used to show videos and DVDs of an educational quality and the cost of the licence to small rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26428/07]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Primary school's 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. There are no proposals to change these arrangements. 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. Enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €418 to €805 per pupil. 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 €102 per pupil in 2002 to the current rate of €145.50 per pupil. Under the 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.