Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional funding he will provide to increase primary and secondary capitation rates for the school year starting in September 2016. [10915/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the impact budgetary decisions taken in our economic crisis have had on capitation and related grants to our primary and second level schools.

I do recognise the need to improve capitation funding for primary and secondary schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over the recent years.

In 2015 the first increase in education spending was secured in recent years and a further increase in education spending was achieved in 2016.

I am determined to continue pressing the case for increased investment, including grant funding in education.

In relation to capitation levels for future years the Deputy should note that the recently published Programme for a Partnership Government provides for additional capitation funding linked to the availability of afterschool care options, where demand exists and the setting out of capitation rates to schools on a rolling 3-year basis.