| Reply:
Since 1997 the funding allocated to primary and second level schools
has been increased substantially in accordance with the Government's
commitment to giving education a clear priority in the allocation of
resources. At primary level schools' running costs have been traditionally
met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are
intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of primary
schools. The capitation grant has been increased substantially since
1997. It has been increased from €57.14 per pupil in 1997 to €101.58
per pupil in this school year. In addition a further increase of €10
per pupil will apply from September in respect of the 2002-03 school
year. Special enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of children
with special needs who attend special schools or special classes dedicated
to children with particular special needs. These special rates can range
from €359.34 to €579 per pupil depending on the level of need involved.
These rates will increase by €10 per pupil with effect from September.
Under the devolved scheme of minor works each primary school receives
an annual grant of €3,809 together with €12.70 per pupil. At post-primary
level the main per capita grant amounts to €256.49 per pupil. The grant
was increased from €224.74 to €233.63 in 1999. It was further increased
by €10.16 to €243.79 in September 2000, and to €256.49 in September
2001. A further increase of €10 is due from September next in respect
of the 2002-03 school year which will bring the rate per pupil to €266.49.
For a school with 500 pupils this amounts to an extra €20,875 per annum
and a total capitation grant of €133,245 towards general expenses. An
additional per capita grant of €38.09 per pupil is paid to disadvantaged
schools bringing the total grant in the case of such a school with 500
pupils to €152,290. The available data does not enable valid comparisons
to be made between the levels of grants paid and the actual costs of
running schools at primary and post-primary levels. It is accepted that
the maintenance costs for second level schools are much greater on a
unit cost basis than those in primary schools. In general second level
schools are larger than primary schools and this leads to higher unit
costs for heat, light, power, maintenance and cleaning. In addition,
the second level capitation is required to cover a different range of
expenditures. Second level schools provide a broader curriculum, including
technical subjects where the costs of materials may be greater than
at primary level. Specialist equipment and rooms are required for some
subjects leading to higher maintenance-replacement costs. The Deputy
will also be aware that the Government is committed, under its agreed
programme, to continue to improve funding for all schools. |