ETB Schools - funding, allocations etc

Just wondering if anyone knows how funding works in ETB schools? Obviously, like all schools, they receive a teacher allocation according to the PTR and any other eligible criteria such as DEIS status, programmes run (TY etc). Then capitation fees etc.

What I'm wondering is whether there is some sort of pooling of funds at ETB level? Would it ever be a case of schools drawing from a general fund of a certain value when paying teachers? Rather than using "hours" available either through general allocation, resource, substitution due to absence etc.

A comment made recently by management in my school made me wonder. The suggestion was that it was advantageous to the school to use recently qualified teachers for certain types of cover, or even timetabled work, rather than more expensive more experienced teachers. As if this would allow them do more with the funding available.

Obviously I understand that more experienced teachers will cost more in salary payments to the state, but I had thought schools were working from an allocation of hours rather than a specific budget, in terms paying teachers.