Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Schools Funding.

Austin Currie

Question:

199 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a disparity between the yearly financial allocation to VEC schools and colleges and to schools in other sectors (details supplied); if so, the reasons for such disparity and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13088/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The funding arrangements for second-level schools have evolved in an ad hoc manner and reflect the sectoral division of our second level system.

The financial allocations for vocational schools and community colleges are made to the vocational education committees as part of a block grant, which also covers the VEC head-office overheads and other activities, apart from the second level programme. The Department does not earmark allocations for individual schools or for the various activities of vocational education committees. The way in which the grant is distributed among schools is a matter for each committee, in line with their priorities and perceptions of need.

The report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post primary schools and is a valuable document in both its analysis and clarity of approach. The recommendations made in the steering group's report for the future funding arrangements of second level schools, are under continuing review. At the core of the recommendations made for future funding arrangements are the principles of equity of treatment, transparency of funding structures and adequacy of funding levels.

Although my priority is to focus on the issue of adequacy of funding, I am conscious of the traditional anomalies that have evolved in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level, and I am committed to bring greater equity and cohesion to this particular aspect of the funding of schools.