Schools' running costs have traditionally been met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of primary and post-primary schools.
Grants at both levels have increased significantly in recent times. The standard rate of capitation grant for primary schools has been increased from €57.14 per pupil in 1997 to €111.58 per pupil in 2003. At post primary, schools have also benefited from increases in the standard per capita grant. The grant has been increased from €224.74 per pupil in 1997 to €266.49 in the current school year.
Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. In my view this is, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific initiatives such as copyright charges. It is my intention to further improve the financial position of primary and second-level schools to the extent that the availability of resources permits.