Written answers

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Refurbishment

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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547. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding capitation grants and the minor works grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24830/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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It is extremely difficult to make precise comparisons between the levels of grants paid and the actual costs of running schools at primary and post primary levels. However it is self evident that the maintenance and running costs for second level schools are much greater on a unit cost basis than those in primary schools. In general, second level schools are larger than primary schools and have a lower pupil teacher ratio resulting in more classrooms and specialist rooms such as laboratories, workshops and kitchens. This leads to higher unit costs in second level schools for heat, light, power, maintenance and cleaning.

I do recognize however the need to improve capitation funding for primary schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years. In the last Budget, I was able to secure the first increase in education spending in recent years. I am determined to continue pressing the case for increased investment in education in the forthcoming budget.

The Minor Works Grant issued to all primary schools last December for the 2014/2015 school year. This was the first occasion that schools with provisional recognition were paid the Minor Works Grant. The rate of payment was €5,500 to each school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or a special class attached to a mainstream school. These payment rates have been protected since 2006 at this level.

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