Vol. 395 No. 1
99 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that boards of management of a very large number of national schools are in debt due to the inadequacy of capitation grants; and if she will outline her proposals to remedy this situation.
In 1989 the rate of capitation grant was increased by 10.4 per cent.
The day to day running costs of primary schools are discharged by making funds available by means of State grants and contributions from local sources. The State capitation grant is not intended to meet operating costs in full. Each board of management is responsible under the Rules for National Schools for making arrangements for the collection of such funds locally, in supplement of the State grant, as will ensure that the school premises will be adequately heated and cleaned and kept in proper decorative condition.
In addition £0.5 million was provided to enable special assistance to be given to schools serving disadvantaged areas.
