Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the protocols and procedures to which the Minister of State referred in respect of second and third level. However, as the examples to which I refer illustrate, breaches have occurred. I am of the view, therefore, that there is a need to reconsider the position.

I accept that primary schools are privately owned. However, the Minister of State should acknowledge the fact that millions of euro of taxpayers' money are being invested in private schools - which come under the patronage of various bodies and entities - to be expended on the education of our children. I outlined an example in which assistance was sought from the Department of Education and Skills in respect of problems that had been highlighted. I am disappointed that when the assistance to which I refer was sought, support was not forthcoming. I have raised this matter in the public interest. We must be able to rest assured that taxpayers' money which is meant to be expended on the education of students is, in fact, spent in this way. I ask the Minister of State to address the particular problem I have raised in respect of primary schools and to review, from the point of view of governance, the position with regard to accounts and how school funds are expended.

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