Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
84. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will address the concern raised in relation to the low capitation grants allocated to national schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31909/23]
View answerAs Minister for Education I am very conscious of the need to ensure schools are supported, enabling them to maximise teaching and learning outcomes for all students.
My Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. These grants are based on recognised enrolments in September of the relevant school year, which is the September 2022 enrolment figures for the 2022/2023 school year. These grants are separate to the Department meeting full payroll costs for all teachers and SNAs employed by a school.
The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary/Schools Special Support Fund grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
The current rate of standard Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
The standard Ancillary Services Grant rate is €173 per pupil in Primary schools.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
My Department provided in excess of €660 million in overall capitation related grants to all schools in 2022.
All these grants due to schools for the current school year have been paid.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc. For the 2023/24 school year I have introduced a landmark new scheme that signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education to provide free school books for all primary and special school pupils. The total free primary book grant amount paid to date in 2023 is €53.5m.
As part of the Cost of Living measures introduced in Budget 2023, €90 million issued at the end of 2022 in once-off additional capitation funding to support increased running costs for all recognised schools in the free education scheme.
My Department has also made the services of the Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU) available to support schools in the area of financial governance and management. The FSSU provide templates specifically tailored for the needs of schools and also provide assistance through online supports and school visits.
I understand the need for increased capitation funding and I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide for increases in capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools in recent years. Capitation rates have increased by 7.5% in recent years with all schools benefitting. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
