Bernard Allen
Question:377 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will abolish the need for a local contribution in primary schools; and, if so, when this will occur. [20015/98]
Vol. 495 No. 4
377 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will abolish the need for a local contribution in primary schools; and, if so, when this will occur. [20015/98]
Officials in my Department are currently examining all aspects of the local contribution. When that review has been completed I will be in a position to make any necessary decisions on the future of the local contribution.
My Department provides capitation grants towards the day-to-day running costs of primary schools. School authorities are required to supplement the capitation grant with a local contribution, which traditionally amounted to 25 per cent of the State grant. Since 1995 the local contribution has been frozen at £10 per pupil in the case of mainstream schools, and at £9.50 per pupil in the case of schools designated as disadvantaged. In effect, therefore, the required local contribution has already fallen well below the traditional 25 per cent.