Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 1766 of 24 September 2008, when his Department's review of overall economic and budgetary positions and competing priorities for available resources will take place; when it will conclude; when schools will be informed of the conclusions of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The financial parameters for my Department were set out in Budget 2009. Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. While the existing start up grant for new schools has not increased, the Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.

The primary capitation grant has been improved by more than €21 to bring the rate to €200 per pupil. The ancillary services grant for primary schools will also be improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil. In order to alleviate some of the pressures on new schools my Department facilitates them with early payment of capitation and ancillary grants.