Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

The connection between sexual or emotional abuse and commercial abuse is one of degree but does the Minister not agree that commercialisation of schools is an exploitative and abusive practice? Children have a right under the Constitution to an education that allows them to become free-thinking, independent-minded citizens who can contribute to the economy. Any commercialisation at a vulnerable age affects that.

Many parents feel obliged to support such commercial ventures because of the lack of funding provided by the Department of Education and Science. An example is the end of the physical education and sports grant, which enabled schools to buy physical education equipment. McDonald's now provides corner flags with the McDonald's logo, enabling schools to participate in sport. One must spend thousands of euro to receive a computer under Tesco's computers for schools programme. It is high time somebody in Government, particularly the Minister, showed leadership on this issue by setting down clear regulations and guidelines, rather than leaving it to hard pressed boards of management and parents who are trying to do the best by the children and schools by securing funding through whatever means. In this context will the Minister acknowledge that funding is required from the Department for the schools and that clear guidelines and binding regulations are also required?

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