Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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325. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reversing all the cuts to school capitation grants since 2008. [34554/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The estimated cost of restoring capitation grants in primary and post-primary schools to pre 2010 levels is circa €35m.

I do recognise the need to improve capitation funding for schools having regard to the aforementioned reductions.

The Action Plan for Education outlines hundreds of actions to be implemented over the 3 year period 2016 to 2019 which include restoring capitation funding as resources permit.

It was not possible to provide additional funding in Budget 2017 in relation to restoring capitation due to the many competing demands for available funding.  This commitment remains a priority for me to address as soon as possible during the lifetime of the Action Plan.  However, it is important to note that there are limited funds available in Budget 2018 to meet a wide range of needs accross all areas of Government.