Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Given that the Minister of State is dealing with a similar situation, I am sure he is aware of the concerns and associated problems. In the area in question, there are three secondary schools - two in Killorglin and one in Milltown. There is no short-term solution; it must be planned and carefully considered. In Killorglin, given that there has been an increase in the population of well over 100% in a short period, with the new Irish who live there and a young population, provisions must be made to ensure that the needs and requirements of the parents and children will be realised. Throughout the area, young children will have to travel to schools outside Milltown but within the catchment area where they can find places. Some type of funding needs to be provided for children who are unable to attend their nearest school. That is the short-term solution. I refer to low-income families, who need such support. There needs to be dialogue with the community and a commitment to listen. The Department, civil servants and so on tend not to listen but they need to listen to the community. There was recently a large meeting attended by hundreds of people, including those from outside Milltown who send their children to the Presentation secondary school because they have historical ties or other children enrolled there, and parents whose children were born and live in Milltown, outside the catchment area, but who are unable to secure a place for them in Nagle Rice secondary school. It is very unfair. The Department needs to meet the community, the parents and all the schools in the area to work out a plan to facilitate the children to attend school in the area where they live.

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