Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. She referenced the hot meal programme. I absolutely agree with her that it is a hugely important programme within our schools. It is funded through the Department of Social Protection and the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, has responsibility for that programme. This obviously is done in co-operation with my Department but the funding actually comes from elsewhere. I recognise absolutely its importance on the ground, particularly, as the Deputy referenced, for children who might have particular disadvantages. It has and continues to run successfully. A further extension of the budget was provided this year from the Department of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, in order that the hot meal programme could be extended. I acknowledge how important that is within the schools. Obviously, we will continue to seek the largest possible roll-out of that initiative. It is of immense benefit.

Regarding the funding for primary schools, again, I will point out the enormous amounts of money in terms of grants and supports for schools this year. Not least, for example, in the primary school sector, where there has been a considerable roll-out of minor works grants. I wish to acknowledge the tremendous manner in which all schools, and as the Deputy referenced in this instance, primary schools, utilised that funding to reimagine, add additionality to and make spaces available within schools and do the necessary work. I accept that the money was timely for many primary schools, even outside of a Covid-19 atmosphere. I am committed to schemes of that nature, including the emergency work, summer work and minor work schemes continuing into the future to support works that are needed on the ground.

On comparability with primary and secondary level, which was raised previously by Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, we are really speaking about two very different experiences in terms of sizes of buildings, types of rooms and so forth. There is not, therefore, a specific comparability. I want to make it clear, however, that there has been a significant increase in funding this year for the primary school sector going forward. There has been significant additionality even in terms of initiatives that have been brought in, whether it is the substitution panels being made available to schools or the additional days for teaching principals being made available this year. All of these are to the necessary benefit of schools and the work of principals and staff on the ground. It is my intention to ensure that we support those initiatives to the very best of our capacity going forward, within budgetary constraints, to ensure services that need to be provided, both from a structural and a service point of view in primary schools, will continue to be well-supported financially .