Vol. 532 No. 1
363 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will improve the position of voluntary secondary schools relative to vocational and community or comprehensive schools particularly in relation to insurance and the provision of secretaries and caretakers, having regard to the Blackstock report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/01]
I am aware of the request by voluntary secondary schools for increased funding, including for the reasons referred to by the Deputy. 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 nature, generated funding anomalies and structures that lack uniformity and cohesion.
At the core of funding arrangements at second level is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. In the case of voluntary secondary schools in the free education scheme, which are privately managed institutions, the Department meets the cost of teacher salaries, excluding the first £400 and allowances, and makes an annual per capita grant towards recurrent costs, including insurance. In addition, these schools may also be eligible for assistance under a range of other grants available under the scheme, including grants for the employment of secretaries and caretakers and curricular support. Insurance cover on school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools to arrange. Grant aid towards voluntary secondary school funding costs provided by my Department by way of per capita grants may be used for this purpose.
In this regard, I consider that the Blackstock report represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements, including the matter of equity of funding between the different sectors at second level. Although my priority is to focus on the issue of adequacy of funding, I am aware of the traditional anomalies that have evolved in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level and it is my intention to bring greater uniformity and cohesion to this aspect of the funding of schools. In this connection, I have already shown my commitment by the establishment of the school services support fund, which is a significant initiative in the funding of our schools. This funding initiative represents a new approach by the Department that supports the school development planning process. This process can only be enhanced if each school is given some flexibility in the deployment of its resources. While provision for support services, including secretarial and caretaking services, is a particular focus of this fund, schools are being given discretion as to how this additional funding is best utilised in the interest of their pupils and for the operation of their schools. A school with 500 pupils will 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.
