Vol. 497 No. 4
185 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the capitation rates and structures which will apply in 1999 for different categordies of pupil at first and second levels; the way in which these compare with the capitation in 1998; and when the new rates will be paid. [25285/98]
In the Estimates for the Public Services published recently, 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 voluntary secondary schools. The programme of increased expenditure includes a £7 increase in the standard per capita grant payable to voluntary secondary schools bringing the standard per capita grant to £184 with pro rata increases for schools in the other sectors at second-level.
At primary level, there will be a per capita increase of £10 in the standard rate of capitation in 1999, bringing the total grant per pupil to £60. This represents an increase of 20 per cent which will be the largest ever increase in capitation funding for primary education. In addition provision has been made for additional equipment grants.
The detailed arrangements for the application of these provisions will be announced following the upcoming budget.
