Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
71. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the financial assistance available to a school (details supplied) which due to rising enrolments secured an additional mainstream teacher in September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10380/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools within the free education scheme. Thus, primary schools receive capitation funding in January and June, and the ancillary services grant in March. The amount of grant paid to an individual primary school for capitation and ancillary services is determined by the school's enrolment, subject to a minimum grant for both capitation and ancillary services in respect of schools with enrolments up to 60, and a maximum ancillary services grant in the case of schools with enrolments of 500 or more. If enrolments in the school referred to by the Deputy increase further, it will result in an increase in funding. The Deputy may wish to note that Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for primary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
