Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fundraising in Schools.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

45 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties certain national schools experience due to lack of appropriate funding from her Department; if her attention has been further drawn to the fund-raising efforts that the school authorities and the parents have to undertake, which results in parents, pupils and teachers being put under pressure that is not in the best interest of the pupil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10208/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that certain primary schools experience difficulties with funding.

My Department provides funding towards the day-to-day running costs of primary schools through capitation grants. Schools are required to match the capitation grant with a local contribution of £10 per pupil or £9.50 in the case of schools designated disadvantaged. Some local communities choose to raise the local contribution by fundraising.

I have secured substantial increases in the capitation grant for primary schools since taking office. The standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from a level of £28 in 1992, to £33 in 1993, £38 in 1994 and £40 in 1995. These increases amount to a cumulative 43 per cent increase on the 1992 rates.

Significant additional funding, over and above the standard capitation increases, is provided in the case of pupils with special needs and also for schools designated as disadvantaged.

I am satisfied that the increases which I have made represent a very positive step towards improving the financial position of primary schools.

It is my intention to further increase funding to primary schools as resources permit.