Trevor Sargent
Ceist:126 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made on implementing the recommendations in the Blackstock report. [23499/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Funding.
The Blackstock report on the funding of second level schools represents a comprehensive review of the funding arrangements of post primary schools.
The recommendations made in the steering group's report for the future funding arrangements of second level schools are under review. At the core of the recommendations made for future funding arrangements are the principles of equity of treatment, transparency of funding structures and adequacy of funding levels.
I am conscious of the traditional anomalies that have evolved in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level, and I am committed to bring greater equity and cohesion to this particular aspect of the funding of schools.
I have already shown my commitment in relation to the secretarial and caretaking needs of schools by establishing the school services support fund. The introduction of this support fund is a significant initiative in the funding of our schools. A school with 500 pupils will now receive additional annual funding of £20 per pupil or £10,000, with a minimum payment for smaller schools of £4,000 per school. This fund will channel an additional £7 million to schools each year. While provision for support services, including secretarial and caretaking, is a particular focus of this fund, schools are being given discretion, in line with that available in relation to per capita grants, as to how this additional funding is best utilised in the interests of their pupils. In addition, schools will benefit from a further increase in the standard per capita grant. The grant was increased to £184 from £177 in 1999. It was further increased by £8 from September last to £192 and by £10 from September this year, bringing the standard per capita grant to more than £200 for the first time. For a school with 500 pupils, this amounts to an extra £12,500 per annum, and a total capitation grant of £101,000 towards general expenses. An additional per capita grant of £30 per pupil is paid to disadvantaged schools bringing the total grant in the case of such a school with 500 pupils to £116,000.
The Deputy will be aware that I have recently secured the transfer of £46 million per annum to my Department on a phased basis between now and 2003, as the FÁS school based community employment schemes, CE, come to an end. The availability of this funding will enable me to make significant progress in relation to the provision of secretarial and caretaking services to schools by putting in place an equitable system of funding for ancillary services throughout the free education school system. My Department will receive a total of £32 million in this school year.
Proposals for the distribution of the moneys received this year at primary and post primary levels are now almost finalised. My Department is arranging for circulars to issue to all primary and post-primary schools. These circulars, which will be available shortly, will outline details of the new funding arrangements.
My approach to date has clearly shown my commitment and determination to address the needs of schools. I am committed to improving further the funding position of second level schools in the light of available resources and to addressing the issue of equity raised by the voluntary secondary schools.