Mary Wallace
Question:46 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education if she will increase the capitation grant for primary schools to that of post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5101/95]
Written Answers. - Schools Capitation Grants.
Ivor Callely
Question:76 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education her views on her Department's grant towards the running and maintenance costs of primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties certain primary schools are experiencing due to the shortfall between the costs and the grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5086/95]
Mary Coughlan
Question:88 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of the primary school sector with regard to inadequate funding and in particular the lack of recognition of that sector with only a £2 increase this year in capitation grants. [5097/95]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 46, 76 and 88 together.
I have no plans to bring the capitation grant rates for primary schools to the level applying in the case of secondary schools. The difference in grant level reflects the fact that maintenance costs for secondary schools are greater on a unit cost basis than in primary schools. In addition, the second level grant contains an element towards the cost of teachers' salaries. Consequently, grants are higher than for primary schools where there is no similar requirement.
I am aware that a small number of schools have experienced particular financial difficulties in the past. I have in place a measure whereby schools in such a position may apply for once-off grant support from the disadvantaged fund. A total of 69 schools benefited from this measure in 1994.
I have secured substantial increases in the capitation grant for primary schools since taking office. The standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from a level of £28 in 1992, to £33 in 1993, £38 in 1994 and £40 in 1995. These increases amount to a cumulative 43 per cent increase on the 1992 rates.
Significant additional funding, over and above the standard capitation increases, is provided in the case of pupils with special needs and also for schools designated as disadvantaged.
I am satisfied that the increases I have made represent a very positive step towards improving the financial position of primary schools.
Trevor Sargent
Question:48 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Oideachais an mbeadh sí i bhfábhar cúnamh airgeadais a chur ar fáil do Mheánscoil Feirste go dtí go ndéanann an Roinn Oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann cinneadh faoi dheontas a thabhairt don scoil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh.
Níl aon chiste ar fáil do mo Roinn-se as is féidir cabhair airgeadais a chur ar fáil do Mheánscoil Feirste as na Vótaí atá faoi mo chúram.
Tá Bord na Gaeilge, áfach, tar éis cúnamh airgeadais a thabhairt don scoil cheana féin.
Aithníonn an Rialtais sa Stáit seo cé chomh tábhachtach is atá sé go dtiocfar rath agus for bairt ar Mheánscoil Feirste. Tá fhios agam go bhfuil an Tánaiste tar éis ceist airgead a chur ar fáil don scoil seo a phlé leis an Rúnaí Stáit i dTuaisceart Éireann le déanaí agus, roimhe sin, do luaigh an Taoiseach an cheist chéanna le Príomh Aire na Breataine. Tá suil agam, mar sin, gur féidir dul chun cinn a dhéanamh sa scéal. Tógfaidh an Rialtas an cheist seo le Rialtas na Bhreataine Mhóire ar gach ócáid oiriúnach.