Written answers
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Department of Education and Skills
School Funding
Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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670. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of increasing funding for Gaelscoileanna by 5%, 10%, and 20%, in tabular form. [30487/25]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department has different models of funding to meet the needs of the different types of schools.
The current rate of capitation for primary schools is €200 and this will rise to €224 in September 2025. Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium primary schools outside of the Gaeltacht) receive an additional €25 per pupil on top of the standard rate for all schools. The calculations below outline the percentage increase on the additional capitation of €25 per pupil in Gaelscoileanna.
Additional capitation for Irish-medium primary schools outside of the Gaeltacht (€25 per pupil):
| Percentage increase per annum | 5% | 10% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated additional funding required | €46,000 | €92,000 | €183,000 |
Grant paid to primary and post-primary schools participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme (€1200 per school):
| Percentage increase per annum | 5% | 10% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated additional funding required | €8,000 | €16,000 | €31,000 |
Voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme, which are privately owned and managed, are funded by my department by way of per capita grants. Additional per capita grants, known as Irish and Bilingual grants, are paid to secondary schools in the voluntary sector in which instruction is through the medium of Irish in full or in part.
Irish and Bilingual Grant paid to post-primary voluntary schools and aonaid offering Irish-medium provision:
| Percentage increase per annum | 5% | 10% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated additional funding required | €31,000 | €62,000 | €124,000 |
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