763. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding capitation grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46686/15]

The funding arrangements made by my Department for post primary schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.

My Department provides funding to Community and Comprehensive schools such as the one referred to by the Deputy on a budget basis that is based mainly on pupil numbers, but also take into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as condition of buildings, size of school etc.

My Department provides funding to voluntary secondary schools such as the one referred to by the Deputy by way of per capita grants.

The Deputy may wish to note that Circular 48/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding to voluntary secondary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.