Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
235. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance that can be given to school (details supplied) to assist in meeting the running costs of the school in view of the size of the building which is not yet fully occupied by the full number of classes which would secure an adequate capitation grant. [57856/12]
View answerMy Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools within the free education scheme.
As the Deputy is aware Budget 2012 provided for a 2% reduction in the funding for capitation and related grants to primary and second level schools in both 2012 and 2013 and a further 1% in 2014 and 2015.
Due to my decision of 21st February last, to retain posts from previous disadvantage schemes in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 primary schools, it was necessary to generate alternative savings within the primary education budget. This has been achieved by bringing forward to this year 1.5% of the 2% reduction in overall capitation funding originally scheduled for 2013.
The Deputy may wish to note that Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for primary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
I understand that there were 217 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September 2012. Subject to final verification, capitation funding will be paid on the basis of this enrolment. I am unable to provide any further capitation funding to the school in 2013.
