Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1337. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to allow unused funding in the education stream budget allocated for a care facility (details supplied) to be ring-fenced and protected in order that it can be used for other projects, including supporting families in summer camps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32115/15]
View answerI understand officials in my Department have sought further detail from the Deputy regarding the nature of funding arrangements being addressed in his question. More detailed clarification can be provided to the Deputy following receipt of this information.
I can advise the Deputy, however, that my Department provides a range of supports to Special Schools to provide for education for pupils attending school. In addition to salary costs of teachers and Special Needs Assistants, my Department provides a range of additional funding for schools including provision for school buildings, transport, assistive technology support as well as enhanced capitation levels which are provided to special schools and special classes.
Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for 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. However, there is no provision to ring-fence this funding for use otherwise, or for the purposes put forward by the Deputy.
