Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
373. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will increase the primary school capitation in view of a survey undertaken by an association (details supplied) which found that parents pay €46 million to support basic school funding each year and that the current grant of €183 per pupil, a euro per day in the primary school year represents a 9% decrease on the 2010 figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44828/21]
View answerI am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets. However I must be prudent in the context of ongoing budgetary pressures given the current economic circumstances.
