asked the Minister for Education if he will state in relation to secondary schools (i) the capitation grant per student and (ii) the supplemental grant per student in schools in the free scheme; when these grants were last increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Secondary School Grants.
54.
The normal rates of capitation grant paid in respect of recognised pupils in secondary schools is as follows:
£24 for each senior pupil.
£19 each in the case of the first 100 junior pupils in a school and £18 thereafter.
Supplemental grant in lieu of school fees is £30 per annum per recognised pupil.
The capitation grant was last increased with effect from the school year 1969-70 and the grant in lieu of school fees from the school year 1972-73.
Will the Minister not accept, in view of the high rate of inflation and the obvious fact that voluntary contributions are being asked of parents, that it is a matter of urgent necessity that the capitation grants should be substantially increased now?
I have pointed out that the grants in lieu of school fees have been increased. The other matter is being kept under review.
Is the Minister not aware that the level of capitation grants is still not sufficient to provide the education which we would like to see provided for our children?
I do not accept that.