Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:70 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to increase funding at primary level in order to achieve educational equality. [7934/95]
Written Answers. - Primary Education Funding.
I have achieved substantial improvements in the funding of primary education since taking office.
Since 1992, the standard rate of capitation grant has increased by 43 per cent, from £28 per pupil to £40 per pupil. Over the same period, the grant in respect of pupils in designated disadvantaged schools has increased by 44 per cent from £45 to £65 per pupil.
Significant improvements have also been made in class sizes. By retaining teaching posts which were due to be lost because of declining enrolments, I will have reduced the pupil teacher ratio to 22.9 to 1 by September next. I have also achieved a considerable reduction in maximum class size, particularly in schools which are designated as disadvantaged, where a maximum of 29 now applies.
In line with Government policy as set out in A Government of Renewal, I am committed to further increasing capitation grants, and to continuing reductions in class sizes in primary schools.
As stated in the White PaperChartingour Education Future, the provision of adequate resources for primary education will continue to be a priority.
In the allocation of these resources, priority will continue to be given to those in greatest need, to ensure equality of access for all children.