Vol. 530 No. 3
283 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to meet the demands of secondary schools in the Waterford area in regard to the elimination of the basic discrimination in the allocation of funds by the Government between secondary schools and other second level schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3734/01]
Schools in the voluntary secondary sector in County Waterford are funded on the same basis as other voluntary secondary schools nationwide.
I am aware that the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level have evolved in a manner that reflects 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, I consider that the report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements, including the matter of equity of funding between the different sectors at second level. It is my intention that this report will continue to inform policy on school funding.
While I intend to address the issues of equity and transparency of funding, I want to emphasise that my priority is the adequacy of funding levels for schools in the second level sector. I have already shown my commitment in this regard by the establishment of the school services support fund, which 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.
My approach has clearly shown my commitment and determination to improve funding at second level and I intend to build further on progress to date.
