The INTO is urging a 20% increase in two of the core grants paid annually to primary and special schools, the capitation and minor works grants, and a higher ancillary services grant.
Currently, the capitation grant stands at €200 per pupil, the same as thirteen years ago, despite significant inflationary pressures that have increased operational costs. There is a particularly pronounced discrepancy of €145 per student in the capitation grant for primary pupils in comparison with the grant for post-primary students. This chasm in the funding designed to cover school running costs in the two sectors – utilities, insurance and teaching resources – remains unexplained by government.
The call for increased capitation comes at a critical time as temporary grants, like the enhanced cleaning and ‘cost of living’ supports previously offered by the government, appear unlikely to feature in the 2024/25 school year.
The annual minor works grant for maintaining school facilities has remained static since 2010 remaining at €5,500 per school and €18.50 per pupil. A 100 pupil school gets just €7,350 per year for essential maintenance and upgrading. Many school buildings are falling into disrepair.
The ancillary services grant for paying school caretakers and cleaners has not been increased in line with increases to hourly payment rates for these workers. Consequently, schools have been forced to reduce hours of attendance for ancillary staff. Owing to changes in the manner in which the ancillary services grant is to be paid, resulting from primary school secretaries being paid centrally by the Department of Education together with the rise in hourly rates, the INTO is also calling for this funding stream to be increased by €10 million.
These increases will alleviate the financial pressures on our schools and reduce the dependence on parental contributions. Against a backdrop where OECD data reveals Ireland spends on average 10% less per primary student than other developed nations, there is a critical need for a serious re-evaluation of school funding policy for primary and special schools.
INTO asserts that substantial funding improvements are essential not just for maintaining basic school operations but for ensuring that all children, particularly those in disadvantaged areas and DEIS schools, receive equitable educational opportunities. The proposed 20% increase in key grants will directly support the core needs of schools—ensuring they are adequately cleaned, furnished, heated, insured, maintained, secured, ventilated, and equipped with suitable teaching materials, thus upholding the fundamental right of every child to a safe and modern learning environment.