James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter today. From my conversations with the Minister in recent days, I know she is fully up to date with the funding shortfall currently being experienced by St.Mary's national school in Drumlish. I thank her for the commitment I received that she would be happy to meet the school principal at some stage next week to discuss the issue in greater detail. The number of pupils in St. Mary's has steadily increased in recent years and the school has an enrolment of 209 pupils for the 2015-2016 academic year. The Minister of State will agree that this is an exception to the current trend in Ireland and a clear testament to the vibrant community in the Drumlish area. It is particularly people like the principal, Ms Deirdre Coffey, former principal, the late Ms Elizabeth Brady, and the staff who have spearheaded the expansion and growth of the school in recent years. Meanwhile, the local community, children, parents, staff and board of management have a long tradition of fund-raising for the school when it has needed financial assistance. However, on this occasion the financial assistance required is a bridge too far for the local community.

The total grant aid allocated by the Department currently is approximately €1,200 per square metre whereas total building costs are in the order of €1,500 per square metre. As such, the school is currently falling short by €62,948. As the Minister of State can imagine, this is a substantial gap for a small rural school to try to close. At every stage of the process, the school and board of management have followed the procedures and guidelines set down by the Department and, in total, the school is set to receive €330,400 while total building costs are set at €393,348. This leaves a total shortfall of €62,948. If an outstanding grant of €23,500 is not approved, the shortfall will increase to €86,448. Yesterday, I received a reply to a number of parliamentary questions I asked regarding the securing of extra funding for St. Mary's. I was informed that it was open to the school authority to apply for additional funding but that, to date, no application had been received. While this is true, the school was in touch with the Department last week to raise the issue of the shortfall and it has asked for guidance on the matter. As of today, it has not received a reply. While departmental officials have been extremely helpful with the school at all times, some guidance from officials on how to apply for extra funding is needed. It is to be hoped this will be forthcoming.

I look forward to funding coming forward because this is a very rural school that is doing well with increasing numbers. It is important to ensure it is fully supported by the Department. The Government has supported a large number of schools in the midlands and we are opening three new ones in my constituency in the next week.

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