Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the increase in the capitation grant to a school (details supplied) given on a “once-off” basis in 2024 will be paid again in 2025 and thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36351/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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An Oversight Agreement sets out the funding and administrative arrangements between Marino Institute of Education and my Department.

An increase in the capitation grant rate came into effect in 2024. This increased rate is payable for all approved intake on the primary B.Ed (General Stream) plus primary PME programme in Marino. The rate increased from €7,193 to €7,693 per student and the new rate will be paid again in November 2025, and this has been outlined in the 2025 Oversight Agreement.

A capitation grant rate of €6,793 is payable for the approved intake of students to the primary B. Oid (through medium of Irish) for those who entered the programme from 2024, under the terms of a new contract. A rate of €6,332 is applicable to the approved intake for students who commenced the programme prior to 2024.

Capitation grant funding for Marino is kept under review on an ongoing basis, being cognisant of the resources available to the Department.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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96. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in light of the exponential rise in the cost-of-living index since 2005, when the block grant for a school (details supplied) was set, if she plans to increase this block grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36352/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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An Oversight Agreement sets out the funding and administrative arrangements between Marino Institute of Education and my Department.

My Department funds Marino for the delivery of primary ITE programmes through capitation and free fees grants, and there has been an increase in funding since 2024 as outlined below:

• A capitation grant rate is payable for all approved intake on the primary B.Ed (General Stream) plus primary PME programme in Marino. This rate increased in 2024 from €7,193 to €7,693 (per annum).
• A capitation grant rate of €6,793 (per annum) is payable for approved intake to the primary B. Oid (through medium of Irish) for students who entered the programme from 2024. The previous rate for students already enrolled in the programme was €6,332.
• A Free Fees grant of €2,564 (per annum) is payable for an approved intake of students on the B.Ed and B.Oid programme only.