Vol. 574 No. 2
147 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the joint managerial body that soaring insurance and other costs are putting secondary schools in an impossible position; the steps he has taken to provide additional assistance to such schools, especially in regard to insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26491/03]
159 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the insurance costs facing schools; his proposals to assist schools with their insurance bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26563/03]
216 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if extra funding will be provided to secondary schools to cover the cost of insurance which has doubled over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26674/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 159, 216 together.
I am aware of concerns expressed by the joint managerial body for voluntary secondary schools in relation to increased insurance costs. Responsibility for arranging insurance cover on school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of voluntary secondary schools which are privately owned. Per capita grants towards the operating costs of voluntary secondary schools may be used for this purpose.
There have been significant improvements in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. The standard per capita grant now amounts to €266.49, as against the rate of €224.74 which applied in 1997. For disadvantaged schools, the increase has brought the per capita grant to more than €300. In addition, secondary schools have benefited under the school services support initiative. The initial grant of €25 per pupil, which was introduced for second level schools in September 2000, was increased to €89 per pupil from September 2002 and was further increased by €10 per pupil from January last to €99 per pupil.
