Written answers

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Department of Education and Science

Capitation Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to alleviate the funding crisis in primary schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a need to increase the capitation grant to €356 per pupil; if he expects this increase to be granted in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33707/08]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the increasing reliance of primary schools upon non-State organisations such as the Catholic Church to meet the shortfalls in essential funding caused by the failure to raise the capitation grant to adequate levels; his plans to reduce this reliance on non-State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33708/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

The scope for any increases in the capitation grant for primary schools has to be considered in the context of Government budgetary policy and the overall economic climate.

My Department is aware of the funding pressures on schools. However, it is important to recognise that progress has been made in recent years that has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €178.58. This represents an increase of almost 120% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000. The compares to a cumulative increase in the Consumer Price Index between 2000 and the end of 2007 of about 30%.

In 2008 alone the Department has paid around €167m to primary schools to meet their day to day running costs. The improvements mean that the combined day-to-day funding for primary schools has increased by €21 to €330 per pupil. As a result, a primary school with 300 pupils will receive almost €100,000 to meet their running costs.

Furthermore, 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 €457 to €880 per pupil — an increase of 42% from the rate in 2006.

I am committed to increasing the funding for primary schools as resources permit.

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