Vol. 568 No. 1
304 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a contribution can be made towards the electricity costs of Mary, Mother of Hope, national school, Littlepace, Dublin 15 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15181/03]
Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of national schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. The capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. The standard rate of capitation grant has increased from €57.14, £45, in 1997 to €111.58 in 2003. This represents an increase of 95% in the capitation grant over that period. It would not be feasible for my Department to introduce specific schemes whereby grant assistance would be provided to schools in respect of individual charges such as electricity or heating.
