It is important to ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are in place for transparency and accountability in the management of public money.
Therefore, all Boards of Managements of schools are obliged to comply with Section 18 of the Education Act 1998 and the arrangements set out in my Department’s circulars 0060/2017 and 0002/2018 in relation to the operation of the Financial Services Support Unit (FSSU). This includes the submission of accounts to the FSSU by an external accountant/auditor who has a current Practising Certificate, Professional Indemnity Insurance and is registered with a prescribed accountancy body in the State.
The independence of an external accountant/auditor provides assurance to the Board and the State that the accounts are prepared in line with good accounting practice and standards.
Responsibility for procurement of an external accountant/auditor and payment of same rests with the Board of Management in respect of schools operated by them. Boards of Management should take a proactive approach when it comes to sourcing accountancy services in order to ensure best value is obtained and to ensure compliance with public procurement procedures.
Schools Procurement Unit which has a national remit is available to advise and assist schools in relation to procurement matters.
The FSSU, which is fully funded by my Department, carries out audits in schools at the request of my Department. The FSSU also provides assistance for schools when sourcing accountancy services.
In Budget 2020 I was pleased to have been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools that will apply from the start of the 2020/2021 school year. This is in addition to the 5% increase that applies from the start of the 2019/2020 school year.
In addition to the increase in standard capitation, the enhanced rates of capitation payable at primary level in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools will be increased by 7.5% from the start of the 2020/21 school year.
