Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:55 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the major difference in capitation rates between primary and post primary schools; and the proposals to bridge the gap. [9222/02]
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.
At primary level, schools' running costs have been traditionally met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of primary schools. The capitation grant has been increased substantially since the Government took office in 1997. It has been increased from £45, €57.14, per pupil in 1997 to €101.58, £80, per pupil in this school year. In addition, a further increase of €10 per pupil will apply from September 2002 in respect of the 2002-2003 school year.
Special enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of children with special needs who attend special schools or special classes dedicated to children with particular special needs. These special rates can range from €359.34 to €579 per pupil depending on the particular level of need involved. These rates will also be increasing by €10 per pupil with effect from September 2002.
At post-primary level the main per capita grant amounts to €256.49, £202, per pupil. The grant was increased from £177, €224.74, to £184, €233.63, in 1999. It was further increased by £8, €10.16, to £192, €243.79, in September 2000, and to £202, €256.49, in September 2001. A further increase of €10 is due from September 2002 in respect of the 2002-2003 school year which will bring the rate per pupil to €266.49.
The available data does not facilitate valid comparisons to be made between the levels of grants paid and the actual costs of running schools at primary and post-primary levels. However, it is accepted that the maintenance costs for second level schools are much greater on a unit cost basis than those in primary schools. In general, second level schools are larger than primary schools and this would lead to higher unit costs in second level schools for heat, light, power, maintenance and cleaning.
In addition the second level capitation is required to cover a different range of expenditures. Second level schools provide a broader curriculum, including technical subjects where the costs of materials may be greater than at primary level. In addition, specialist equipment and rooms are required for some subjects, leading to higher maintenance-replacement costs.