Written Answers. - School Insurance.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
428
Mr. Deenihan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he will introduce a common system of insurance which would be State funded for all voluntary, secondary and vocational schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9518/01]
As the Deputy will be aware, school insurance arrangements have evolved in a manner that reflects the different traditions and structures of the voluntary secondary, comprehensive and community and VEC sectors.
In the case of voluntary secondary schools, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools to arrange insurance cover on school property and against public liability. Grant aid towards voluntary secondary school funding costs provided by my Department by way ofper capita grants may be used for this purpose. In the case of vocational schools and colleges, the relevant vocational education committee arranges insurance cover. With regard to community and comprehensive schools, the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise.
The Blackstock report on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements, including the matter of equity 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.
In this connection I have already shown my commitment by establishing the school services support fund, which is a significant initiative in the funding of our schools. 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, there has been significant improvement in recent years in the level of capitation grants. The standardper 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 further increased by £10 to £202 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.
