asked the Minister for Education the capitation grant for national school students for 1982-83; and the capitation grant for the last three years.
888.
Written Answers. - National Schools Capitation Grants.
887.
asked the Minister for Education if the capitation grant for national schools has kept pace with the rate of inflation as measured by increases in the consumer price index over the last three years.
889.
asked the Minister for Education if he will establish the capitation grant on a realistic basis to provide for the proper equipping, heating and cleaning of national schools; and if he will have this grant linked to the rate of inflation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 887, 888, and 889 together.
The rate of capitation grant for the 1982-83 school-year will be decided in the context of the 1983 Estimates for the Public Service.
The rate of grant for the last three school-years was: 1979-80 £11 + £2.75 local contribution = £13.75 per pupil; 1980-81 £13 + £3.25 local contribution = £16.25 per pupil; 1981-82 £15 + £3.75 local contribution = £18.75 per pupil.
The percentage increase in the CPI as between November 1979 and November 1981 was 45.8.
Under the Rules for National Schools, school boards of management are responsible for making arrangements for the collection of such funds locally in supplement of the State grant as will ensure that the proper premises will be adequately heated and cleaned and kept in a proper decorative condition.