asked the Minister for Education if secondary and primary schools will receive an increase in their capitation grant for running costs for pupils in 1988; the increase, if any, which they received in 1987; the amount of the increase over the last two years in percentage terms compared with the rate of inflation in 1987 and projected for 1988; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
13.
The rate of capitation grant paid by my Department towards the running costs of primary and secondary schools has not been increased in 1987 and budgetary considerations preclude an increase in the rate of grant in 1988.
The tuition element of the per capita grant to secondary schools was increased from £105 to £109 with effect from 1-1-86, an increase of 3.8 per cent (the capitation grant element remains constant at £31). The increase in the consumer price index from February 1985 to February 1986 was 4.8 per cent and 3.4 per cent from February 1986 to February 1987. The projected increase for 1988 is not yet available.