Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully appreciate the points being made by the Deputy. There seems to be some discrepancy between the numbers given by the Deputy, which are described by the Deputy as being close to 40, and our information, which is that they are closer to ten. Perhaps we might try to establish the figure concerned. The issue has primarily arisen from the withdrawal of direct funding of the centre by the Christian Brothers. At this time there is unfortunately no scope to meet any requests for additional funds beyond the level of what is currently allocated. In the current economic climate, my focus and that of my Department must be on maintaining existing funding to all of our provision in Cork for the education of disadvantaged people to the greatest extent possible. Educational disadvantage remains a priority for the Government and we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students in disadvantaged areas.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the centre. I assure the Deputy that my Department will endeavour to keep him informed of any developments relating to future funding of the centre, and I hope we will not arrive at a position in which the young people find there is no provision available. We will endeavour to ensure that does not happen.

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