Vol. 473 No. 1
231 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she intends to increase the capitation grant for primary schools; her views on whether the capitation grant barely covers heating, cleaning and insurance and that all other basic costs, repairs, maintenance, basic equipment have to be paid for by fundraising; her view of whether this is an unacceptable situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24422/96]
I am not yet in a position to say whether the capitation grant for primary schools will be further increased in 1997.
I am aware that some schools experience difficulties from time to time in meeting the costs of heating, cleaning, insurance, etc., and that capitation funding may sometimes have to be augmented by local fundraising. I can assure the Deputy, however, that since taking office, funding of primary schools has been as one of my main priorities.
When I took office the standard rate of capitation grant stood at £28 per pupil. I have succeeded in securing substantial increases in the level of this grant each year, with the result that the standard rate of grant now stands at £45 per pupil. This represents an increase of more than 60 per cent over a four year period. In schools designated as disadvantaged, the rate of grant has increased from £45 to £75 over the same period, an increase of two thirds.
I have also introduced a major improvement in the special capitation rates payable in respect of pupils attending special classes and special schools, and additional resources have also been made available to schools in areas of disadvantage. The provision of adequate resources for primary education will continue to be one of my main priorities.
