Skip to main content
Normal View

Schools Establishment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Questions (50)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

50. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the level of pre-opening capitation funding for patrons is appropriate in view of the costs to patrons of opening a new school. [49449/18]

View answer

Written answers

In November 2016 my Department announced improved supports to facilitate the smooth establishment of new primary and post-primary schools from September 2017.

The first element of the improved supports involved new schools being permitted to appoint a school principal from an earlier stage in order to better facilitate the preparatory work involved in setting up a new school.

The second element of the improved supports is the payment of pre-opening capitation funding for each new primary and post-primary school in recognition of the fact that costs are incurred in the period prior to opening a new school. 

This funding of €15,000 at primary level and €25,000 at post-primary level is made available to the Patron to hold on behalf of the newly recognised school. This is paid in addition to the start-up grant of €6,350 at Primary level and €20,000 at Post-Primary level.

The Patron is entitled to seek reimbursement of post recognition start-up costs incurred by it but are ultimately required to provide details of such costs and any remaining balance to the board of management of the new school when it is established.

These improved supports were a very significant step in supporting the smooth establishment of new schools.

Top
Share