Vol. 540 No. 3
366 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding capitation fees or other grant payments to voluntary or other secondary schools; if resources are given towards providing religious chaplains; if not, the reason therefor; if he will consider the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20790/01]
The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the different management and ownership arrangements for vocational schools and community colleges, comprehensive and community schools and voluntary secondary schools.
At the core of funding arrangements at second level is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. Voluntary secondary schools are funded on a per capita grant basis. Financial allocations for vocational schools and community colleges are made to the vocational education committees as part of a block grant, which also covers the VEC head office overheads and other activities apart from the second level programme. Community and comprehensive schools are funded on a budget basis. Schools have considerable discretion as to how this funding is best utilised in the interests of their pupils and schools.
367 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in relation to investment by the State in voluntary secondary schools; if investment is repaid if a school closes down and is sold for other purposes; if there is any general rule for such cases; if the matter can be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20791/01]
In advance of investing capital in a secondary school, the management authorities of the school are required to enter into an agreement with my Department whereby in the event of the school ceasing to be used for educational purposes the residual value of the investment is repaid to my Department.
