Vol. 526 No. 3
131 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 11 October 2000, he will outline the nature of his commitment to a fair funding regime; if he will authorise research into the actual level of costs to schools to inform him as to the fairness of the current funding regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26535/00]
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.
I should add that in undertaking its task, the Blackstock group had access to the latest and most detailed research information available.
