Vol. 518 No. 1
189 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to publish the report of the steering group on school funding established by him; if the capitation grant for voluntary secondary schools will be increased with effect from the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11209/00]
190 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to provide increased funding for voluntary secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11210/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
The report in question has been published and I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.
I am aware of the demands for increased funding by voluntary secondary schools. Notwithstanding the many competing demands on budgetary resources, the level of support for voluntary secondary 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. The standard per capita grant payable to voluntary secondary schools has been increased to £184 from £177 last year with a further increase of £8 planned for this year. Assistance towards the provision of secretarial services in schools has been increased from £25 per pupil to £30 per pupil thereby increasing the maximum annual grant from £8,750 to £10,500 per eligible school. In addition, these schools have benefited under the IT 2000 initiative. Schools have welcomed these improvements. It is my intention to improve further the financial position of voluntary secondary schools to the extent that the availability of resources permits.
