Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have provided evidence of adopting the principles of cost-effective practice relating to section 3 of Circular 0032/2017; if these schools have received rewards for same; the detail of such rewards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36475/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I have issued a Circular to all schools to ensure that they put a greater emphasis on reducing costs for parents. The Circular requires schools to do everything possible to keep costs down for parents, including the use of generic items and sew on or iron on crests. All schools are expected to carry out the provisions in the Circular.

This keen cost approach will be underpinned in law by the Parent and Student Charter Bill which will require schools to consult with parents on a number of issues, including items such as school costs. It will also require schools to publish a financial statement showing how any voluntary contributions are spent by the school.

The Department is conscious of the need to improve capitation funding, which funds general running costs, for schools. That is why increasing capitation is one of the actions included in the Action Plan for Education and this Government remains committed to achieving this.

It is intended, as resources permit, to reward schools that can provide evidence of having adopted the principles of cost-effective practice. It is intended that this could be done through some premium in capitation grants for schools. This remains the intention and will be considered in future budgets.