Vol. 477 No. 7
47 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the high concern by school management boards regarding the level of capitation grants available in view of current demands; her understanding of the current demands; the feedback, if any, she has received on the level of capitation grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10065/97]
I am aware of some concerns among school management boards regarding the level of capitation grants in relation to current demands on school funds.
I regret that due to the many competing demands on limited resources I am not in a position to increase the capitation grant payable for 1997.
I should point out, however, that since taking office I have made very significant improvements in the level of funding to schools. The standard rate of capitation grant at primary level has been increased from a level of £28 in 1992 to its present level of £45 per pupil, an increase of more than 60 per cent.
The enhanced capitation grant for primary schools which are designated as disadvantaged has been increased from £17 in 1992 to £30 in 1996. This represents an increase of 76.5 per cent since 1992. Therefore, the overall capitation rate payable to primary schools with disadvantaged status has increased from £45 in 1992 to £75 in 1996.
The level of capitation rate paid in respect of pupils attending voluntary secondary schools has increased from £150 in 1990 to £177 in 1996. This represents an increase of 18 per cent since 1990.
With effect from 1 January, 1994 an additional per capita grant was introduced, in addition to the standard per capita grant, for secondary schools which have been designated as disadvantaged. The rate of this additional grant has increased from £15 in 1994 to £30 in 1996. Accordingly, the overall capitation grant payable to such schools has increased from £173 in 1994 to £207 in 1996.
