150 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Education if she will favourably reconsider the decision not to increase capitation grants to primary schools in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8521/97]

I regret that due to the level of competing demands on limited resources I am not in a position to increase the capitation grant payable at primary level for 1997.

I should point out, however, that since taking office I have made significant improvements in the level of funding for primary schools. The standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from a level of £28 in 1992 to its present level of £45 per pupil, an increase of more than 60 per cent.