asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce a Supplementary Estimate to enable national schools to meet essential expenditure which is not covered by the existing grant levels during the coming year.

Provision was made in Vote 30 of the Estimates for 1980 for an increase in the normal rate of capitation grant for national schools from £10 to £11. The increase would attract a corresponding increase in the prescribed minimum rate of contribution from local sources.

The revised rate of capitation grant, together with the appropriate local contribution, is intended to meet all relevant expenditure in the case of national schools in 1980.

81.

asked the Minister for Education if all the extra money voted for his Department's Estimate has been allocated for increases in remuneration with the result that there is no money left for equipment, furnishing, heating, etc. in a time of 22 per cent inflation; and if he will seek a Supplementary Estimate for primary schools to make up the deficiency.

I do not propose at this stage to seek additional funds during the current financial year for the purposes mentioned by Deputy Donegan.