Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
334. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the way in which post-primary schools in County Leitrim are funded; the top-up, if any, that applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding arrangements made by my Department for post-primary schools, including schools in Co Leitrim, reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.
My Department provides funding to voluntary secondary schools by way of per capita grants. Funding is provided to Community and Comprehensive schools on a budget basis that is based mainly on student numbers, but also takes into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as condition of buildings, size of school etc.
With regard to the Education and Training Board (ETB) sector, financial allocations are made to ETBs as part of a block grant. ETBs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of this grant and each ETB is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and perceptions of need.
The salaries of Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools are paid through payrolls that are centrally operated by my Department. In the case of the ETB Sector my Department provides grants to each ETB to pay its teachers and SNAs.
Other financial supports are given to post-primary schools such as grants towards the cost of employing ancillary staff, ICT Infrastructure, Programme Grants, Capital projects, etc.
