Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Ballymun drugs task force has made it clear it will not continue to provide the funding of €122,000. I spoke to many of the principals of the affected schools and most acknowledge they can handle a certain reduction in funding.

It is clear this scheme has worked well over the years. I note the Department provides a snack and a lunch, which is reasonable. The parents to whom I have spoken have said these breakfast clubs have been remarkable in how they shaped and engaged with the children in the area. Their benefits have been considerable.

The figure involved is not nearly €122,000 because it is an acknowledgement that it will be possible to obtain the food required for the clubs in the five DEIS schools in the area. The issue is the staff who are employed in the schools for this purpose. One of the principals made clear to me that it will be extremely difficult to manage without these staff. That must be taken into account. If the benefits of the programme are as great as what I have heard and seen over the years, it would be crazy to allow the clubs to close for the sake of the small amount of money needed to retain the necessary staff.

Once again, I plead with the Minister. I will try to speak to BEST and others about engaging, although the organisation has indicated it has engaged. I acknowledge that Deputy Rock spoke to BEST and the Minister. BEST was informed, however, that there is no other Department to which it can turn for funding for staff. This has impacted heavily on its approach.

It is a shame and I urge the Minister to see if she can look at it again, engage and see if the funding can be provided.

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