Vol. 507 No. 2
298 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the difference paid for capitation fees to VEC colleges and voluntary secondary schools; the plans, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will bring the capitation rates closer together. [16690/99]
The way in which resources are provided to second-level schools reflects the different management and ownership arrangements for vocational schools and community colleges and voluntary secondary schools. Consequently, direct comparison between the two sectors is difficult.
The financial allocations for vocational schools and community colleges are made to the vocational education committees as part of a block grant to cover VEC head office overheads and other activities apart from the second-level programme. Voluntary secondary schools are funded on a per capita basis based upon enrolments.
The matter of equity of funding between the various sectors at second-level is currently being examined by a steering group on funding which has available to it the report of a technical working group. Under its terms of reference, the group will draw up a recommended funding framework designed to ensure equal treatment for different schools within the second-level sector while taking account of the needs of these different schools. The group's recommendations when available will inform future developments in relation to the funding of schools.
