Vol. 493 No. 3
445 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to phase out or abolish the annual contribution of £10 minimum per pupil from local sources for primary schools; his views on whether this contribution is inconsistent with the State's obligation to ensure that primary education is made available free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/98]
My Department provides capitation grants towards the day-to-day running costs of primary schools. School authorities are required to supplement the capitation grant with a local contribution, which traditionally amounted to 25 per cent of the State grant.
I am not in a position to abolish the local contribution, but since 1995 the local contribution has been frozen at £10 per pupil in the case of mainstream schools, and at £9.50 per pupil in the case of schools designated as disadvantaged. Therefore, since I have this year increased the standard rate of capitation grant to £50 per pupil, the local contribution now amounts to only 20 per cent of the State grant.
The State is obliged under the Constitution to provide for free primary education and to ensure that such education is available to children. This is achieved through the partnership between the State and local community which is expressed in the State grant combined with the local contribution.
In line with the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millenium, I will continue to give a clear priority to primary education, and will be seeking further improvements in the level of the capitation grant as resources allow.
