Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

153 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department would supply funding for materials needed for classes for home economics, art and music, for pupils whose exam fees are paid for by the State to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; his views on whether the lack of money to purchase such materials puts these pupils in an unfair situation when it comes to exams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2823/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

This Government has placed a high priority on increasing funding to schools. We have increased capitation and brought into being a new concept of support services grant. In addition schools with disadvantaged status receive further capitation of £30 per pupil each year. Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. In general this is a preferable approach to putting in place grants for materials in specific subjects.