Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 7

Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

213 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the capitation fees payable to special schools; the way in which these compare with those payable to standard primary and post-primary schools; her views on whether it is equitable that children attending special schools do not qualify for the same capitation allowances as their contemporaries in post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The capitation grants payable to special schools for handicapped children are as follows: visually impaired, £132 per pupil; emotionally disturbed, £132 per pupil; hearing impaired, £132 per pupil; physically handicapped, £92.70 per pupil; moderately mentally handicapped, £92.70 per pupil; others, £76.20 per pupil.

Special rates also apply in the case of special classes in ordinary primary schools, as follows: moderately mentally handicapped, £92.70 per pupil; others, £76.20 per pupil.

The rate of grant is £33 per pupil for ordinary primary schools, and £150 per pupil for post primary schools.

The Special Education Review Committee recently examined the question of capitation grants for special needs pupils in the special school, special class and integrated situation. The committee's report, which I received recently, makes a number of specific recommendations in this area. I will be giving these matters detailed consideration.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

214 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the dates on which capitation grants were paid to primary and second level schools in each of the last 10 years; and when she will pay the grants for this school year.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Capitation grants are paid to national schools in two instalments each school year, with 70 per cent being paid on 31 January. The balance is paid on 30 June, subject to confirmation having been received to the effect that the local contribution has been lodged to the school account. This has been the case for the past ten years, and I propose to continue with the same arrangement for the current school year.

Up to 1984 capitation grants and grants in lieu of tuition fees were paid in three instalments each as separate grants to voluntary secondary schools, in March, July, November in the case of the former and in January, April, October in the case of the latter.

From August 1984 these two grants were combined and renamed the "per capita grant” and were paid in three instalments over the school year in October, January, April. With effect from the 1991-92 school year, the October instalment was brought forward to September and a commitment given that each instalment would be paid in the first half of the relevant month. The next instalment is due to be paid in January 1994.

Vocational and community and comprehensive schools are financed by a system of school budgets, rather than by capitation grants and, in the case of vocational schools, the school budget is determined by the appropriate vocational education committee.