Dáil Éireann - Volume 484 - 09 December, 1997

Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.

Mr. Durkan Mr. Durkan

366. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the £5 per pupil proposed increase in capitation grants is substantial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin) Micheál Martin

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin): The 1998 Estimate for subhead C — capitation grants towards operating costs of national schools — is £32,630,000. This represents an increase of 8 per cent on the projected outturn for this subhead in 1997, and a 9.6 per cent increase over the £29,773,000 which was allocated to this subhead in the 1997 Estimates. I consider these figures represent a substantial increase in the level of funding provided under this subhead, especially when set against a background of declining enrolments.

I am committed to giving primary education a clear priority in the allocation of resources, in line with the Government's commitment in this regard as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium.

Dáil Éireann 484 Written Answers. Capitation Grants.

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