asked the Minister for Education if he will increase the per capita maintenance grants for schools in view of the substantial rise in heating oil prices and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52.
Written Answers. - School Grants.
51.
asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce a supplementary estimate to cover the increase in the price of heating oil for primary schools.
53.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that capitation grants given to voluntary secondary schools are inadequate, if he intends to increase these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 52 and 53 together.
In the case of national schools the financial provision already made in the Estimates for 1979 has enabled the rate of capitation grant towards the operating costs to be increased from £8 to £10 per pupil.
The grant in lieu of tuition fees was increased from £66.50 to £70 per pupil in secondary schools with effect from the commencement of the school year 1979-80.
Further provision has been made by way of supplementary estimates for the payment in 1979 of an additional £1 per pupil and £2 per pupil in the case of national and secondary schools respectively to meet the increase in heating costs. The floor space provision per pupil in the case of national schools and secondary schools is as follows: national schools, 32 sq. ft.; secondary schools, 66 sq. ft.