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School Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 June 2008

Wednesday, 4 June 2008

Questions (265)

Liz McManus

Question:

328 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated for start up grants for new primary schools; if it is satisfactory that a new school in Greystones, County Wicklow is only eligible for a figure of €6,348 when it has been calculated that the cost of opening a new primary school is estimated in excess of €30,000; his views on whether the financial burden of setting up a new school should fall on a small voluntary group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22015/08]

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Written answers

I am aware of the funding pressures on schools generally including also those in relation to the setting up of new schools.

It is a key priority for Government to improve funding for the day-to-day running costs of schools to help address these funding pressures. Specific commitments in relation to improving school funding form a central part of the education provisions of the Programme for Government. These commitments are a direct follow on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of primary schools in particular.

All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to improving school funding are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. The Government will continue to prioritise further improvements on school funding, including also for new schools, and this approach is the best way of sustaining improvements into the future.

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