Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Primary Schools' Funding.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

18 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of a parish priest in Trim, County Meath, to cut the Catholic Church's contribution to four primary schools due to the fact he claimed that fewer people were practising the Catholic faith; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that the education of primary pupils does not suffer in any cases and is provided for through adequate State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20083/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the recent decision of a parish priest to cut the Catholic Church's contribution to local primary schools.

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.

Traditionally, school authorities have been required to supplement the State's capitation grant with a local contribution equivalent to 25 per cent of the State grant. However, in 1995, this local contribution was 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.

However, I was conscious that some schools still experienced difficulties in raising the local contribution. Accordingly, early in 1999, I decided that the required minimum contribution should be further reduced. As a result, the amount required from schools in disadvantaged areas is now £5.50 per pupil, while all other schools will be required to pay £8.50 per pupil.

As a result of my initiatives in this area, the local contribution has fallen very significantly below the traditional 25 per cent of the State grant. It is my intention to work towards further reductions in the local contribution on a phased basis over the next number of years.

The Deputy will be aware that I have substantially increased the level of capitation funding to primary schools over the last two years. In 1998, I increased the standard rate of the primary capitation grant by £5, and I secured a further increase of £10 in 1999. This brings the standard capitation grant to £60 per pupil, which constitutes a 33 per cent increase in the rate of the grant since I assumed office.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to give priority to the question of increased funding for primary education as set out in the programme for Government.