School Funding
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-11
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Darren O'Rourke (SF), Meath East

Costs are increasing and, in real terms, last year capitation per student in primary schools was €236 and €400 per student in post-primary schools. That is when we take the capitation and the cost-of-living aspects into account. This year, it is €224 per student at primary level versus €236 last year, while at secondary level, it is €386 per student compared with €400 last year. That is a net decrease in real terms at a time when costs are increasing. Is it any wonder increasing numbers of schools are being referred to the FSSU? In addition, €23 million is being raised through voluntary contributions to subsidise so-called free education. That is not evenly distributed, so we know there are many schools that do not have access to that option and are in deep, deep trouble. I do not get a sense that there is a recognition from the Government in this regard. It needs to introduce a cost-of-living package for schools.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-11