Michael Ring
Question:449 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce regulations to ensure that the capitation fee for students is linked to inflation. [3433/00]
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
Since 1997 the funding allocated to primary and second level schools has 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.
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 is being increased by a further £11 this year. In relation to voluntary secondary schools, the standard per capita grant was increased to £184 from £177 last year with a further increase of £8 planned for this year. Budgetary allocations to the other second level sectors are increased on a pro rata basis.
These increases have outstripped the rate of inflation for the years concerned. I am satisfied that they represent a meaningful response to demands for increased funding from schools generally. I am committed to improving further the funding position of primary and second level schools in the context of forthcoming budgets and in light of available resources.