Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Running Costs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

216 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the shortfall that most schools experience between her Department's grants and the running and maintenance costs of the schools, particularly primary schools; if she has received submissions on this; the other means, if any, that are available to schools to raise money when there is a shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Representatives of school managerial authorities have made submissions to my Department seeking increased grants towards the recurrent costs of schools. As the Deputy will be aware, I have secured substantial increases in the capitation grant for primary schools over the last two years. The standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from a level of £28 in 1992, to £33 in 1993 and £38 for 1994. I am satisfied that these increase represent a very positive step towards improving the financial position of primary schools. The Department grant is, of course, augmented by a local contribution of at least 25 per cent of the Department grant. The sum required to meet the local contribution is provided by the parish or other appropriate analogous community or body, from general funds at the disposal of such community or body without any levy on parents of children attending the school. The manner in which these funds are raised locally is a matter for the board of management of each primary school.

The State does not meet the full cost of voluntary secondary schools but makes available an annual per capita grant in respect of recognised pupils. I am pleased to have been able to increase the per capita grant towards the recurrent costs of secondary schools in the free education scheme from £150 to £158 per annum with effect from January 1994. I have also introduced a special enhanced per capita grant for schools designated as disadvantaged by my Department. In addition, increased funding is being made available towards the provision of caretaking services in eligible secondary schools.

Comprehensive and community schools are funded on the basis of an annual budget rather than a specificper capita grant. Funding in respect of the running costs of vocational schools is included in the grant paid towards the cost of the overall educational scheme of each vocational education committee. There will be increases within the approved budgets of the vocational education committee and community-comprehensive school sectors also in 1994.

Contributions from parents and other sources are not compulsory but where they are available on a genuinely voluntary basis they are a welcome addition to school resources. The manner in which such contributions are collected is a matter for school principles and managements provided that all concerned — parents, pupils and school authorities — clearly understand their voluntary character and that the manner of their collection does not in practice create a situation where parents and pupils can reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.