Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
198. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will give further consideration to a possible restructuring of the capitation grant scheme for primary schools to provide for additional support for smaller schools, which have particular challenges in meeting increasing costs and which are dependent on a small school community to raise funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26953/23]
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.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide for increases in capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools in recent years.
The standard capitation grant rate for Primary Schools 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.
While voluntary contributions can be requested by schools, it must be made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay, and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own choice, and there is no compulsion to pay.
My Department engages on a regular basis with school management bodies and other education stakeholders on school running costs. In the context of the current cost of living crisis and the significant additional funding that has been made available to schools, it is my expectation that schools will not have to seek additional voluntary contributions from parents.
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.
