The funding arrangements for our post primary schools have evolved in an ad hoc manner and reflect the sectoral division of our second level sector. At the core of funding arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. There are, however, differences in the approaches to the funding of back-up services, such as insurance arrangements, secretaries and caretakers.
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 Blackstock 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.
Although my priority is to focus on the issue of adequacy of funding, 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 bringing greater equity and cohesion to this particular aspect of the funding of schools.