Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that a minor works grant was paid out this academic year and that there was a summer works scheme under which many schools across the country had essential work done, which had been delayed by cuts to the summer works scheme budget. Funding for schools is not just for election years; it must take place on a continuous basis. The Government has had three budgets and for the first two there was no summer works scheme, no minor works grant and cuts to capitation. In the run-up to the local elections, money was given out, which was welcome because of the pressure schools are under. However, there is no commitment to funding in future years. Despite the many times I pressed the former Minister, Deputy Quinn, there is no commitment to ensuring it is provided next year or the year after. Meanwhile, many of our schools are under massive pressure and we know the Government is under pressure in regard to finances. By withdrawing these funds from schools, the Department is transferring the pressure to fill the gap in school funding back to the hard-pressed families with young children. It is the sector of our society that is most pressed financially. We should look to protect them, not increase the burden on them and on our schools.

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