I thank the Deputy very much for raising the issue. I understand the genuine concern and the way he has brought it to the floor of the Dáil. I thank Deputies for giving me the opportunity to outline to the House the position in relation to the financial situation for funding for primary schools in Dublin's north inner city. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to the schools. Schools have been in contact with the Department and have been referred to the financial support services unit, FSSU. The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education system by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general upkeep and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the board of management can allocate according to its priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 36/2022. As part of the capitation package in budget 2025, the Department is pleased to have secured over €30 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and in the longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This increase is on top of the circa 9.2% increase from last year’s budget. This will bring the standard rate of capitation grant to the level of €224 per pupil in primary schools from September 2025. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure. In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education system. This additional funding announced in budget 2025 is designated to assist schools with the increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity costs. The funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. The Department of Education is aware that costs and funding can pose a very real problem for school communities and is constantly working to address this matter and enhance the financial and other supports available to the schools and their communities. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future budget negotiations or financial parameters agreed by the Government, the Department of Education will continue to seek and prioritise funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools. The FSSU, which is funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgetary and cash flow management. At the outset, the Deputy mentioned St. Laurence O'Toole's and one other school, the name of which I did not get. I would be anxious to take up his offer to visit some of the schools as well.

Sentiment score: 0.45

I thank the Deputy for his genuine concern regarding this. If he shares the document he mentioned with me immediately afterwards, I will take it up and work with him and with all Deputies in relation to school communities. I outlined the issues in respect of what we are going to do and what we have done in previous budgets. We are acutely aware of the challenges that are being faced by schools, school communities and the members of the school management of those schools who are doing an extremely good job. The FSSU, on behalf of the Department, plays a crucial role in the process. However, rather than going into it, I will say I understand the concerns the Deputy has. He has relayed the concerns of the school communities. I will take the documentation from the Deputy and will work with him and with all Deputies to make sure we bring the proper information and try to make sure we have funding for schools.

Sentiment score: 0.31