Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a restructuring of the capitation grant scheme for primary schools to provide for additional support for smaller schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59824/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 was able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The standard capitation grant rate is €183 per pupil and the standard ancillary grant rate is €173 per pupil. In the case of small schools each of these grants is based on an enrolment of 60 pupils bringing the total value of these grants to €21,360.
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.
My Department has also made the services of the Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU) available to support small schools in the area of financial governance and management. The FSSU provide templates specifically tailored for the needs of these schools and also provide assistance through online supports and school visits.
