I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 59 together.
The standard rate of capitation grant paid to primary schools in 1992 was £28 per pupil and £150 per pupil for secondary schools. This grant was last increased in 1990 from £26.50 to £28 per pupil at primary level and from £140 to £150 for secondary schools.
I am happy to say that I have secured an increase of £3.4 million in the 1993 provision for capitation grant for primary schools. This will enable me to increase the standard rate of grant to £33 per pupil in every national school, with pro rata increases for certain other categories of school. This will cost in the region of £2.8 million and allow me to give increases above £5 per pupil to certain disadvantaged schools.
I am aware that the primary schools have been underfunded in the matter of running costs. In the current tight budgetary situation an increase of £5 per pupil is a very positive step towards improving the position and is the single largest increase in grant for many years.
I have particular concern for the position of schools in disadvantaged areas. Currently, such schools get an extra £17 per pupil. The balance of £0.6 million from the additional £3.4 million to which I have already referred will be used to initiate further measures to assist the disadvantaged. Discussions will take place shortly with the interested parties regarding this matter. I regret that in the budgetary situation it was not possible to provide an increase in the post-primary grant this year.