Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2009

Department of Education and Science

Departmental Expenditure

6:00 pm

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount of his capital budget for 2009 that will be spent by year end; the amount that will be carried forward to 2010; the amount that will not be permitted to be carried forward to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47856/09]

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of his budget unspent for 2009 and not permitted to be carried over in 2010 that relates to primary or secondary level capital budgets; the amount that relates to third level capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47950/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 387 together.

The Net Capital Allocation for 2009 was almost €841m. In mid-November when the Capital Carryover was being finalised the projected Capital spend for 2009 was over €761m. Under the Multi-Annual capital envelopes introduced in Budget 2004, Departments may carryover up to 10% of Voted Capital. I have discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance and agreement has been reached to allow my Department to carry over €79m (9%) of unspent capital monies from 2009 into 2010. This carryover was included in the Appropriation Bill considered by the Oireachtas this week. This carryover relates to the schools capital programme. The Higher Education capital allocation is expected to be fully expended in 2009. Final figures for expenditure under the different programmes will be available at the end of December.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the level of standard capitation per student at primary and post-primary levels in 2010, if this level of capitation is inclusive or exclusive of book grants and grants for curricular activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47857/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The levels of standard capitation will remain unchanged as a result of the recent budget. The capitation rate at primary level will be €200 per pupil, while at second level the rate will remain at €345 per pupil. I have consistently said that it is my intention to streamline and rationalise the different grant schemes that provide funding to primary and post-primary schools, both for ease of administration and to ensure that school management has greater autonomy over the funding provided.

Therefore, capitation funding provided for general running costs, and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. In due course, both grant schemes will be merged. In the interim, both grants will continue to be paid according to existing timelines and calculated separately as heretofore. My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how additional funding, being provided as a result of the recent budget, for books and curricular activities can be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.

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