Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Funding.

Richard Bruton

Question:

166 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether all secondary schools should be funded on the same basis; the main difference in funding arrangements between community schools and secondary voluntary schools; the improvements he has made to date in closing the funding gap; and if he has set a target year for completion of the process. [30300/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The funding arrangements for our post primary schools have evolved in an ad hoc manner and reflect the sectoral division of our second level sector. At the core of funding arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. There are, however, differences in the approaches to the funding of back-up services, such as insurance arrangements, secretaries and caretakers.

The Blackstock report on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post-primary schools. The recommendations made in the Blackstock report for the future funding arrangements of second level schools are under 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 conscious of the traditional anomalies that have evolved in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level, and I am committed to bringing greater equity and cohesion to this particular aspect of the funding of schools.

I have already shown my commitment in this regard by my recent announcement of further major increases in the school services support fund. This increased funding will enable me to make significant progress in relation to the provision of secretarial and caretaking services to schools by putting in place an equitable system of funding for ancillary services throughout the free education school system. With immediate effect, the annual support grant will be increased from £20 – 25.40 – per pupil to £50 – 63.49 – per pupil, with a further increase to £70 – 88.88 – per pupil next September, and to £78 – 99.04 – per pupil in January 2003. The minimum annual grant for smaller schools will also be increased from £4,000 – 5,078.96 – to £15,600 – 19,807.91 – while that for schools with 500 pupils or more will rise from £10,000 – 12,697.38 to £39,000 – 49,519.79 – over this school year and the next. While provision for support services, including secretarial and caretaking, is a particular focus of this fund, schools are being given discretion, in line with that available in relation toper capita grants, as to how this additional funding is best utilised in the interests of their pupils.

In addition, schools will benefit from a further increase in the standardper capita grant. The grant was increased to £184 from £177 last year. It was further increased by £8 from September last to £192 and by £10 from September this year. The grant will be further increased by the significant sum of £7.88 – 10 – for the next school year that will bring the grant to £209.88 – 266.47. For a school with 500 pupils, this amounts to an extra £16,440 – 20,874.49 per annum, and a total capitation grant of £104,940 – 133,246.31 – towards general expenses. An additional per capita grant of £30 – 38.09 – per pupil is paid to disadvantaged schools, bringing the total grant in the case of such a school with 500 pupils to £119,940 – 152,292.39.

My approach to date has clearly shown my commitment and determination to address the needs of schools. I am committed to improving further the funding position of second level schools and to addressing the issue of equity in the light of available resources.