School funding and capitation
Deputy O’Rourke said schools were increasingly forced to rely on voluntary contributions because of funding gaps. The Minister said capitation had recently increased and further budget discussions were pending, while also stressing cost reduction and energy efficiency.
We move to Questions on Policy or Legislation. We will begin with Deputy O'Rourke. I ask Deputies to pose their questions within their time of one minute.
Comment on this
It is scandalous that, every year, schools are forced to rely on so-called voluntary contributions from parents to plug funding gaps due to the Government's failure to provide proper investment. Parents already pay €54 million in contributions and now, as the funding crisis in schools escalates, it looks like they will be asked to pay even more. The Catholic Primary School Management Association, CPSMA, says it has never been contacted by as many schools in financial distress as it was last year. It says that voluntary contributions will have to be increased unless the Government steps up with realistic funding. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has committed an extra €24 per child in capitation, but this goes nowhere near covering increased insurance, energy and electricity costs. As with the €1,000 third level fee increase, if last year's cost-of-living package is not repeated, schools will be down funding next year. Will the Minister assure parents that schools will be adequately funded and will not have to bear the financial burden of so-called free education? Will there be a cost-of-living package for schools?
Comment on this
As the Deputy is aware, this Government and my Department are committed to supporting our schools and ensuring that they have adequate funding. Capitation increased only in the last few weeks. This was secured in last year's budget. Any negotiations and agreements on next year's budget will be happening in the coming weeks.
I am also interested in not only providing more supports for schools but also making sure we can, where possible, reduce costs. That is why our climate action plan is so important in making sure we retrofit buildings and reduce bills. We should also look at other costs schools are incurring around insurance and in other areas. The Deputy can be assured that we are absolutely committed to supporting schools in as many ways as possible.