I am aware of ongoing representations from schools for increased funding, including for the reasons referred to by the Deputy. Grant aid towards school funding costs is provided by my Department by way of capitation grants. The day to day running of schools, including matters such as heating, is a matter for school managerial authorities.
Notwithstanding many competing demands on budgetary resources, the capitation grant at primary level has been increased substantially since the Government assumed office in 1997. It has been increased from the £45 per pupil that applied in 1997 to the £64 per pupil that was issued to schools this year. In addition, the grant will be increased by a further £7 in the current school year which will bring the standard level of the grant to £71 per pupil. This constitutes an increase of 65% in the level of the standard capitation grant over that period. Furthermore, an additional grant of £30 per pupil is paid in respect of all pupils of schools designated as disadvantaged.
At second level, the standard per capita was increased to £184 from £177 last year and has been further increased by £8 from September this year to £192. In addition, a grant of £30 per pupil is paid in respect of pupils enrolled in schools designated as disadvantaged. It would not be feasible for any Department to introduce specific schemes whereby grant assistance would be provided to schools in respect of individual charges such as the cost of oil. However, I am satisfied that the increases in the capitation grants referred to above constitute a meaningful response to the need for increased funding for schools. 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.
