Olwyn Enright
Question:255 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if the capitation grant for national schools will be paid before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24499/02]
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
Olwyn Enright
Question:257 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to increase the capitation grant for national schools, to bring spending on national schools more closer to the OECD average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24501/02]
I propose to take questions 255 and 257 together.
It is intended to pay the first moiety of the capitation grant to national schools in January 2003. The grant will be paid directly into schools' bank accounts by way of electronic funds transfer. The grant has traditionally been paid in two instalments, 70% in January and the remaining 30% in June each year.
The main source of funding of the running costs of primary schools is the capitation grant. The standard capitation grant at primary level, which stood at £45 or €57.14 in 1997, was increased to €105 per pupil in the 2001-02 school year. The grant is being increased to €111.58 in respect of the 2002-03 school year. This represents an increase in the rate of grant of more than 95% in the period.
I am satisfied the increases in the capitation grant referred to constitute a meaningful response to the need for increased funding for schools.
Olwyn Enright
Question:256 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of curriculum grant which will be paid to schools in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/02]
The question of the payment of a curriculum grant is currently under consideration by officials of my Department. If such a grant is to be paid in 2002 this will be effected by way of electronic funds transfer directly to schools' bank accounts and followed by a circular to all schools detailing the scope of any such grant, purposes for which it can be used.
Should it be decided to pay such a curriculum grant a copy of the circular will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 255.