Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2019
115. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of restoring capitation rates to pre-2010 levels following the implementation of increases announced in budget 2020. [42708/19]
View answerI am 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 2020/21 school year. The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.
In addition to the increase above the estimated cost of restoring the standard capitation to pre-2011 levels in primary and post-primary schools is circa €20 million.
It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets, however, I must have regard to the level of resources which will be available to my Department, in the context of the continuing need for the Government to prudently manage the economy and the public finances and have regard to risks, including those associated with Brexit.
