Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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262. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for an increase in capitation grants to schools, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20801/16]

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.

The commitments in the Programme, including to increased capitation funding, will be considered in the context of the budgetary process.