Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Primary School Funding.

Richard Bruton

Question:

655 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he proposes to tackle the underfunding of primary education, particularly in the context of the totally inadequate standard capitation grant which leaves schools with little choice but to fund raise in order to supplement running costs and to provide teaching equipment, facilities and resources. [8570/98]

Richard Bruton

Question:

656 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount by which he proposes to increase the standard capitation grant for primary schools for the school year 1998-99; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8571/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 656 together.

The Government's commitment to giving primary education a clear priority in the allocation of resources is set out in the policy document An Action Programme for the Millennium. This commitment was clearly reflected in the 1998 Estimates, where I provided for an overall increase of 9 per cent in expenditure on primary education for 1998. In this context, the standard rate of capitation grant was increased by £5 to £50 per pupil. At 11 per cent, this increase is an important step forward in the process of increasing capitation funding at primary level.

I assure the Deputy that the matter of further increases in the capitation grant will continue to receive priority over the coming years. In framing the 1999 Estimates, I will examine a range of options, including the level of capitation rates to primary schools, with a view to identifying appropriate ways of fulfilling the commitment outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium.