Brian O'Shea
Question:406 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to meet the urgent needs of voluntary secondary schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24757/98]
Written Answers - Schools Funding.
Following the recent publication of the expenditure Estimates for the Public Service, I was pleased to announce a major increase in education spending for next year which will be targeted at the areas most in need of additional resources, including the funding of schools in the voluntary secondary sector. Provision has been made for a £7 increase in the standard per capita grant for voluntary secondary schools. In addition, the rate of grant provided by my Department for the provision of secretarial services was increased from £25 to £30 per pupil, with effect from 1 September 1997, with a new maximum grant of £10,500.
I would also like to point out that, under the Technology Integration Initiative, TII, element of the Schools IT 2000 programme, each eligible second level school received a basic grant of £2,000 plus £5 per pupil in May this year, with top-up amounts being provided in the case of schools with special classes.
Second level school authorities may apply for an increase in the approved teacher allocation to cater for particular circumstances. Applications of this nature are considered under the curricular appeal process and each case is considered on its merits. It is my intention to improve further the position of second level schools to the extent that the availability of resources permits.