Earlier this year, I raised concerns regarding the capitation grant and was told it would be considered in the upcoming budget. With the budget approaching, I want to return to the issue. I have been speaking with school leaders across County Offaly, including St. Broghan's National School, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and Offaly School of Special Education. They are managing rising costs with a grant that simply has not kept pace. Fund-raising is now covering essential non-extras and that is not sustainable. It is pulling teachers and principals away from the core focus, which should be students. I ask the Government to take this seriously in the upcoming budget to increase the capitation grant and begin work on a more sustainable, long-term model for school funding.

I thank the Deputy and he has made a very fair point. Obviously, there are pressures on budgets all over. There are ongoing discussions between the respective Ministers and the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, right now. We are conscious of the pressures on schools in respect of capitation and the need for longer term sustainable funding to deal with increasing costs.