Seán Barrett
Question:84 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the new rates of capitation compare to the actual costs of running a school at primary and secondary levels. [25221/99]
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
Since 1997 the funding allocated to primary and secondary schools have been increased substantially in accordance with the Government's commitment to giving education a clear priority in the allocation of resources as set out in the policy document "An Action Programme for the Millennium". However, the available data does not facilitate valid comparisons to be made between the levels of grants paid and the actual costs of running schools.
As the Deputy may be aware, the standard capitation grant at primary level was increased by £5 in 1998 and £10 in 1999 which brought the standard grant to £60 per pupil. This constitutes a 33% increase over the period. In addition, the grant will be increased by a further increase of £11 next year. In relation to voluntary secondary schools, the standard per capita grant was increased to £184 from £177 this year with a further increase of £8 planned for next year. In addition, schools also benefited from the IT 2000 initiative and the library books grant.
I am satisfied that these increases represent a meaningful response to demands for increased funding from schools. I am committed to improving further the funding position of primary and secondary schools in the context of forthcoming budgets and in light of available resources.