Thomas Byrne
Question:433. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the monitoring of the implementation of circular 0032/2017 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/19]
View answerFriday, 6 September 2019
Questions (433, 434)
Thomas Byrne
Question:434. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the value of rewards paid to schools to date for the implementation of circular 0032/2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos 433 and 434 together
In circular 0032/2017 my Department published measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs.
While the circular provided, as resources permit, to reward schools that can provide evidence of having adopted the principles of cost-effective practice, my Department, having regard to the available budgetary resources, has focused on commencing the process of restoration by improving capitation funding for all schools. My Department has not issued a premium in capitation grants under this circular letter.
In 2019, my Department has provided for a 5% increase in capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools that will apply from the start of the 2019/2020 school year. Over the course of the school year 2019/2020, an additional €10 million will be allocated to primary and post primary schools, of which €4 million will be allocated in 2019.
It is important that schools consult with parents and the school community, and the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019 will require each school to implement a Student and Parent Charter in accordance with national guidelines to be published by the Minister after consultation with the education partners, including the recognised national associations of parents. One of the key concepts in the Bill is the need for schools to seek to reduce the costs to parents as far as is practicable.