As the Deputy is aware, the report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools, that had available to it the report of a technical working group, represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post primary schools and is a valuable document in both its analysis and clarity of approach.
The recommendations made in the steering group's report for the future funding arrangements of second level schools are under continuing review. At the core of the recommendations made for future funding arrangements are the principles of equity of treatment, transparency of funding structures and adequacy of funding levels. 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 particular aspect of the funding of schools.