Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details of all grants payable on an annual basis to primary schools by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7495/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached table. The Deputy will be aware that, as agreed in the Renewed Programme for Government, Budget 2010 has provided additional support to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the details of all grants payable on an annual basis to post-primary schools by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7496/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached table. The funding arrangements at post-primary level reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector, along with those in the VEC sector, are increased on a pro rata basis in line with increases in the per capita grant paid to voluntary secondary schools.

All post primary schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants. The Deputy will be aware that, as agreed in the Renewed Programme for Government, budget 2010 has provided additional support to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books and the funding of certain school programmes. My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.