Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In previous Estimates meetings, I have mentioned walking deputy principals in primary schools. St. Aidan's Primary School in Enniscorthy has over 900 pupils. It has a principal and a teaching vice principal which is not acceptable in this day and age. Secondary schools with 300 or 400 pupils will have a principal and one or two walking principals.

There should be parity and all schools should be treated the same because there is as much work in primary schools as in secondary schools.

On primary schools, I seek the Minister's commitment on an issue about which the Minister's Department Is very much aware. I have never spoken about this at any meeting. It is the issue with Cushinstown National School in County Wexford. The patron, the Bishop of Ferns, has put in a school manager there. I am aware that the Minister's Department is doing absolutely fantastic work there with the school manager. I ask the Minister to give a commitment to make sure that her Department would give every help and assistance to the diocesan office and to the new school manager, Mr. John Roche, with the issues in the school. I have been dealing with this issue with the parents. It is a huge concern for parents and a huge issue for pupils. No primary school should have to go through this. It is having an effect on the mental well-being of many parents and pupils. We are dealing with very young children, where there are issues within the staff. I do not want the Minister to comment on it but I ask that she give a commitment that every resource in her Department will be put to assist the school manager there. Perhaps the Minister could give me a commitment that she will keep an eye on that for me.