Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the average cost to educate a primary school going pupil for the day to day running costs; the amount this figure has increased since 2000; the percentage of this cost that comes from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34041/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The issues referred to in the question from my Department's perspective are that of funding for schools to help deal with their day to day running costs. Firstly, I wish to state that my Department is aware of the funding pressures on schools. It is also clear that there is a need for further improvements on funding levels. However, this can only be achieved in a manner that is consistent with prudent management of the Irish economy.

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 nearly 120% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000. This compares to a cumulative increase in the Consumer Price Index between 2000 and 2008 of over 30%.

The value of the ancillary services grant for the employment of caretakers and secretaries in our schools has almost trebled in the same period, from €50.79 under the PESP (Programme for Economic and Social Progress) scheme, to the current rate of €151.50 per pupil.

In 2008 alone the Department has paid around €167m to primary schools to meet their day to day running costs. The improvements in the capitation and ancillary grants mean that the combined day-to-day funding for primary schools has increased this year by €21 to €330 per pupil. 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.

In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school today is receiving almost €100,000, which is all paid from my Department. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by the Department. By any standards this is a very significant improvement within a relatively short period of time.

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