Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

273 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the policy of his Department whereby the capitation grants paid to primary school students is £50 per year and, on entering second level education, the capitation grant paid in that school is £177; his views on whether this is total discrimination against the primary pupil; the steps, if any, he will take in the next budget to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13557/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

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 is clearly reflected in the 1998 Estimates, where I have provided for an overall increase of almost 12 per cent in expenditure on primary education versus the 1997 budget allocation. In this context, the 11 per cent increase in the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level represents an important step forward in the process of increasing capitation funding at primary level. However, it is important to note that the difference in grant level reflects the fact that maintenance costs for second-level schools are much greater on a unit cost basis than in primary schools.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to give priority to the issue of further increases in the capitation grant to primary schools.