asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to abolish the local contribution and to raise the capitation grant on primary education; if his attention has been drawn to the financial pressure to pay the local contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10657/98]
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
309
My Department provides capitation grants towards the day-to-day running costs of primary schools. School authorities are required to supplement the capitation grant with a local contribution, which traditionally amounted to 25 per cent of the State grant. I have no plans at present to abolish the requirement to raise a local contribution. However, I would point out that since 1995 the local contribution has been frozen at £10 per pupil in the case of mainstream schools, and at £9.50 per pupil in the case of schools designated as disadvantaged.
The State is obliged under the Constitution to provide for free primary education and to ensure that such education is available to children. This is achieved through the partnership between the State and local community which is expressed in the State grant combined with the local contribution. I have provided for an 11 per cent increase in the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level in 1998. I wish to assure the Deputy that the matter of further increases in the capitation grant will continue to receive priority over the coming years.