Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 105 of the programme for Government commits to ensuring that every young person is enabled to reach their full potential. I have been contacted by the principal of St. Patrick's school in Kells, County Kilkenny, which caters for pupils with moderate and severe learning disabilities. The principal is very concerned over the unacceptable delay in the payment of the bus escort grant. The board of management of St. Patrick's is responsible for paying the salaries of 21 bus escorts. These bus escorts have been working since the school reopened on 29 August and are being paid every fortnight. The cost is approximately €13,800 every fortnight. This week the school is facing into a third payment on 4 October which will bring the total to €41,400 and it has to find the funding to meet these payments as it awaits payment of the grant.

The school is operating an overdraft for this vital facility at its own cost. Why has the payment not been made? I ask the Minister for Education and Skills to use his good offices to ensure this is rectified immediately.

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