asked the Minister for Education if she will give an approximate break-down of the uses to which the capitation grants paid to schools are put; and the approximate proportion of the capitation grant which is absorbed by insurance costs.
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
325.
The handbook "Boards of Mangagement of National Schools — Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure" states that capitation grants shall be used to meet operating costs such as heating, cleaning, lighting, teaching materials, and maintenance of school premises and grounds. The cost of insurance may also be charged to the school account. Information is not available to the Department on the proportion of national schools' funds absorbed by insurance costs.
Per capita grants paid to secondary schools in the free post-primary education scheme are intended to meet the general running costs of the schools. No particular part of the grant is earmarked for any particular purpose. However, it is expected that the basic salaries of teachers, £400 per annum, be paid from the grant.
The insurance arrangement for voluntary secondary schools are a matter for the authorities of the individual schools. My Department do not collect data in relation to the cost of such insurance.