Billy Timmins
Question:275 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the provision of free swimming for all national school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3611/01]
Written Answers. - Swimming Lessons.
Primary schools' running costs are met from my Department's scheme of capitation grants, supplemented by the local contribution. These funds are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of primary schools, including costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and other miscellaneous charges. Since this Government took office in 1997, the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from £45 per pupil to £75.50 in the current school year, and a rate of £80 will apply in the 2001-02 school year. This represents an increase of 77% over four years.
In addition, I introduced an annual physical education grant for all primary schools last year. Under the terms of this grant all schools designated as disadvantaged plus schools in the rural phase of the Breaking the Cycle scheme will receive an annual grant of £1,000 per school while all other schools will receive £500 per school. Circular 28/00, which issued from my Department to all schools in October 2000, outlines specific materials or activities on which schools may spend this grant. The circular specifically states that "schools may also wish to use the grant to alleviate the costs incurred with the provision of swimming classes or other similar activities". My Department will shortly be making arrangements for the issue of this year's grants to schools.
It would not be feasible for my Department to introduce specific schemes to provide grant assistance towards individual costs such as those associated with swimming. However, I am satisfied that the substantial increases in the capitation grant, combined with the annual physical education grant, constitute a meaningful response to the need for increased funding for schools.