Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:270 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to increase the orchestra grant for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25414/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Funding.
The Government has placed a high priority on increasing funding to schools. I have increased capitation and brought into being a new concept of a support services grant. In addition, schools with disadvantaged status receive further capitation of £30 per pupil each year. Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. In my view this is, in general, a preferable approach to increasing grants for specific purposes, such as orchestra grants.