Vol. 505 No. 3
277 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will compare the capitation grant payable for students at voluntary secondary schools to that payable for students in the vocational system; the reason for the difference; the plans, if any, he has to equalise these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13652/99]
The way in which resources are provided to second-level schools reflects the different management and ownership arrangements for vocational schools and community colleges and voluntary secondary schools. Consequently, direct comparison between the two sectors is difficult.
The financial allocations for vocational schools and community colleges are made to the vocational education committees as part of a block grant to cover VEC head office overheads and other activities apart from the second level programme. Voluntary secondary schools are funded on a per capita basis based upon enrolments.
The matter of equity of funding between the various sectors at second level is currently being examined by a steering group on funding which has available to it the report of a technical working group. Under its terms of reference, the group will draw up a recommended funding framework designed to ensure equal treatment for different schools within the second level sector while taking account of the needs of these different schools. The group's recommendations when available will inform future developments in the funding of schools.
