Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
266 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any financial incentives and so on for capitation grants and teacher support given towards the amalgamation of schools. [24877/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools within the free education scheme. As the Deputy is aware these grants are calculated on a per pupil basis with minimums and maximums applying to certain grants.
Capitation for amalgamated schools is calculated on the same basis as any other recognised primary school. Where schools are amalgamating there is provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in certain cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers serving in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment on the basis of the staffing schedule. The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.
