Phil Hogan
Ceist:73 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the new rates of capitation grants compare to the actual costs of running a school at primary and secondary levels. [3135/00]
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
Since 1997 the funding allocated to primary and second level schools has been increased substantially in accordance with the Government's commitment to giving education a clear priority in the allocation of resources as set out in the policy document An Action Programme for the Millennium. However, the available data does not facilitate valid comparisons to be made between the levels of grants payable by my Department and the actual costs of running schools.
As the Deputy may be aware, the standard capitation grant at primary level was increased by £5 in 1998 and £10 in 1999 which brought the standard grant to £60 per pupil. This constitutes a 33% increase over the period. Schools with enrolments of 60 pupils or less receive a minimum grant of £3,600. In addition, the grant is being increased by a further £11 this year. In relation to voluntary secondary schools, the standard per capita grant was increased to £184 from £177 last year with a further increase of £8 planned for this year. Budgetary allocations to the other second-level sectors are increased on a pro rata basis.
I am satisfied that these increases represent a meaningful response to the need for increased funding from schools generally. I am committed to improving further the funding position of primary and second level schools in the context of forthcoming budgets and in light of available resources.