Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
684. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to restore the standard capitation rate for pupils in primary schools to €200 which was the rate in 2010 prior to cuts; and her views on whether this is a diminishing cost in view of the falling enrolments in primary schools. [20299/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capitation grant has increased in each of the last two budgets.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that will apply from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
While these increases have provided for further restoration, annual funding would need to be increased by a further €20m approximately to restore grants to pre-2011 levels. This would cost circa €10m at Primary level and €10m at Post-Primary level based on current enrolments.
While Primary enrolments has peaked in the 2018/19 school year those at second level are increasing. By 2024/25 these enrolments are expected to be in excess of 402,176 for the first time in the history of the State.
