Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Services Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

140 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will implement the recommendations of the Blackstock Report on school funding which would give the 432 secondary schools access to funding equal to that enjoyed by community and comprehensive schools; if, as an interim measure, he will consider providing Government grants to cover the cost of secretaries and caretakers, insurance, cleaning and minor repairs in all 432 secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8306/01]

Dan Neville

Question:

145 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide grants for secondary schools for cleaning and minor repairs on the same basis as is availed of by the community and comprehensive schools as recommended in the Government's report. [8354/01]

Dan Neville

Question:

146 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make payments of grants for insurance to all secondary schools to put them on the same footing as other schools. [8355/01]

Dan Neville

Question:

147 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will pay to all schools grants for secretaries and caretakers on the same basis as in community and comprehensive schools, as recommended in the Government's report. [8356/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 145, 146 and 147 together.

I consider that the Blackstock Report represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post primary schools, including the matter of equity of funding between the different sectors at second level. While further work is required to bring greater uniformity and cohesion to this aspect of the funding of schools, my priority is to focus on the issue of adequacy of funding.

I have already shown my commitment by establishing the school services support fund, which is a significant initiative in the funding of our schools. This funding initiative represents a new approach by my 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 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.

In addition, the standard per capita grant was increased to £184 from £177 in 1999. It was further increased by £8 from September last to £192 and will be significantly increased by £10 for the next school year. For a school with 500 pupils, this amounts to an extra £12,500 per annum, and a total capitation grant of £101,000 towards general expenses. An additional per capita grant of £30 per pupil is paid to disadvantaged schools, thereby bringing the total grant in the case of such a school with 500 pupils to £116,000.

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 in the light of available resources.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 138.