Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

490 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the increase in the capitation grant provided in the Book of Estimates for primary schools of £5 per pupil for 1998 is a substantial increase in the capitation grant for primary schools; if he will outline to Deputy Farrelly the percentage increase this is over 1997; when this grant will be increased by sufficient funds, in the present economic climate, to alleviate the hardship on many parents throughout the country who have to raise funds for the upkeep of these primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21353/97]

Minister for Education (Mr. Martin)

The 1998 Estimate for subhead C — capitation grants towards operating costs of national schools — is £32,630,000. This represents an increase of 8 per cent over the projected outturn for this subhead in 1997, and a 9.6 per cent increase over the £29,773,000 which was allocated to this subhead in the 1997 Estimates. I would consider that these figures represent a substantial increase in the level of funding being provided under this subhead, especially when set against a background of declining enrolments.

I will be making substantial additional non-pay resources available to primary schools through the IT 2000 initiative, which I launched on 28 November. In addition, I will also be announcing details of further initiatives in respect of the allocation for primary schools in the near future.