I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 478 together.
Of the 59 fee-charging second level schools referred to by the Deputy, one is Jewish, 21 Protestant, two inter-denominational and the balance Catholic. The Protestant and Jewish schools receive funding by way of a block grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant and Jewish persuasions to attend schools which reflect their denominational ethos. The block grant includes payments in respect of capitation and these schools also qualify for payment of such grants as the transition year support grant and secretarial and caretaking grants.
Fee-charging schools not embraced by the block grant do not qualify for payment of capitation or related supports. There are five post-primary schools under Protestant patronage in the free education scheme. All of these schools are within the community and comprehensive sector.