Robert Troy
Question:204. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will restore the minor works grant without delay and increase the capitation grant to prior levels. [42797/12]
View answerTuesday, 9 October 2012
Questions (204)
Written answers
At the launch of the Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework last November, I said that the priority in the education sector is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet demographic demands over the next five years. I indicated that given the need to concentrate on meeting the need for additional school places that it was unlikely that funding would be available for a minor works grant in the coming years.
As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2012 provided for a cut in capitation to schools of 2% in 2012 and, following the decision to stop the withdrawal of certain legacy teaching posts, a further 1.5% adjustment was imposed this year to offset the cost of retaining those posts.
I fully acknowledge that this reduction is challenging for schools. These reductions must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times.