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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 3

Priority Questions. - Capitation Grants.

Enda Kenny

Question:

85 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the equality of funding arrangements for second level schools; his further views on the funding arrangements for schools in the voluntary sector; his proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26522/00]

The funding arrangements for the different school types at second level have developed in an ad hoc manner and reflect the different traditions and structures of the voluntary secondary, comprehensive and community and VEC sectors. This evolution has, by its very nature, generated funding anomalies and structures that lack uniformity and cohesion. In this regard, the report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements and is a valuable document in both its analysis and clarity of approach. It is my intention that this report will continue to inform policy on school funding.

While I intend to direct my energies to address the issues of equity and transparency of funding, I emphasise that my priority is the adequacy of funding levels for schools in the second level sector. I have already shown my commitment and determination in this regard by establishing the school services support fund. The introduction of this fund is a significant initiative in the funding of our schools. A school with 500 pupils will now receive additional annual funding of £20 per pupil or £10,000, with a minimum payment for smaller schools of £4,000 per school. This fund will channel an additional £4 million to voluntary secondary schools each year.

In addition, the schools will benefit from a further increase in the standard per capita grant. The grant was increased to £184 from £177 last year. It was further increased by £8 from September this year to £192 and I am particularly pleased to inform the House that I am increasing the per capita grant by £10 for the next school year. This will bring the capitation grant to £202, an increase of £25 per pupil per annum. For a school with 500 pupils this amounts to an extra £12,500 per annum and a total capitation grant of £101,000 towards general expenses. In addition, and in recognition of the cashflow needs of schools, I am arranging to bring forward the payment of the next instalment of the per capita grant to next month.

My approach to date has clearly shown my commitment and determination to improve funding at second level and I intend to build further this progress.

I thank the Minister for his reply in which he recognises the inequality in the funding arrangements for second level schools. If we are supposed to cherish all the children of the nation equally, why is the Minister not setting out clear proposals to end these inequalities? Is it not obvious that there are insufficient resources and facilities available to voluntary secondary schools and second level schools in general to implement, for example, the provisions of the Education (Welfare) Act?

Has the Minister met the joint managerial body and does he understand the extent of its frustration at the way voluntary secondary schools are being strangled because of this iniquitous system? Does he propose to debate this issue with the committee on education and science or in the House arising from the clear recommendations in the report of the steering group on second level funding?

I would be happy to facilitate the committee on education and science if it wishes to debate this important issue. Resources are the key and that is why I introduced the new fund. The Deputy will note that I introduced this measure in the course of the current year and I hope to build on it as I go forward.

This issue is one of the main concerns of the joint managerial body with whom I held discussions about the report. This is an extensive report which highlights the fact that this issue cannot be approached in a simple manner because of the differences between schools. This is why, in addition to building up the fund, the capitation grant is seen as the principal means of improving the situation.

I will continue with this approach and I accept the Deputy's general comments. These situations developed historically and we have to address them and provide as much equity and transparency as possible.

The Minister referred to the adequacy of funding. Why did £16 million remain unspent from his capital programme as outlined in the Book of Estimates published last week? When he receives his additional moneys on 6 December will he be in a position to end part of this iniquitous funding system? The voluntary secondary sector is being strangled resulting in a great deal of frustration and lowering of morale of people who wish to do a professional job but cannot do so because of the system. This also places pressure on communities to involve themselves in all kinds of fundraising for something which should be assisted to a greater extent by the State.

I ask the Minister to be brief as the time is just up.

I am approaching this issue on a number of fronts. I am trying to make the system simpler and more efficient. For example, I am endeavouring to simplify the way capital projects are progressed and to delegate more responsibility to the schools in question. Never before has so much capital been made available to schools. However, there are many problems to be overcome and we will continue to deal with them as urgently as possible.

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