Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013
276. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated average cost to the Exchequer of a student attending a secondary school participating in the free education scheme and the way this compares to the average cost to his Department for each student attending a fee paying school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15289/13]
View answerThe estimated average cost per student of a teaching post allocated to a voluntary secondary school in the Free Education scheme at a ratio of 19:1 is estimated at €3,368. A student enrolled in a school in the Free Education scheme also attracts per capita and associated grants totalling €639 per annum. Accordingly, the average per student cost in respect of a voluntary secondary school in the Free Education scheme is €4,007. The estimated average cost per pupil of a teaching post allocated to a fee charging school at a ratio of 21:1 is estimated at €3,048. Grants are not paid by my Department in respect of students enrolled in fee-charging schools.
