Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the rate per pupil under the capitation grant scheme for primary level in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15745/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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 recently published Programme for a Partnership Government is committed to investing an extra €500 million in education by 2021 through various staffing and grant based measures including annual increases in primary and secondary capitation rates.

It also 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.