Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

149 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of non-pay moneys paid to Kildare VEC under all headings separately for each of the years from 1985 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I have requested my Department to check on the availability of the information requested and to forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

150 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the figures of non-pay payments for VEC schools, community colleges and private secondary schools made by his Department over the past five years in a form which will allow a comparison between the payments made to each category of school. [21970/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

At the outset I wish to point out that 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.

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 whereas voluntary secondary schools are funded on aper capita basis based upon enrolments. In addition, vocational education committees are not required to inform my Department of individual school allocations. Consequently it is not possible to provide the information requested.

The matter of equity in second-level funding has been examined by a steering group, which included representatives from all the education partners. The group is expected to make recommendations regarding a funding framework for second level, which will ensure equal treatment of different schools while taking account of the needs of these schools. The report of the group is currently being finalised. I expect to receive it shortly and arrange for its dissemination.