Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. He asked a question around resources that will go into the summer programme. Obviously, it is a demand-led scheme and is based on volunteerism. Last year, the July provision cost a little over €16 million. We are looking at an expanded scheme this year. This involves bringing in other groups. We will be looking to add significantly to the €16 million investment. Certainly, financial resources will not be a barrier in respect of this new summer programme. The challenge lies in the supply of schools in terms of school openings and teachers and tutors coming forward, as well as the availability of SNAs.

Teachers and SNAs have been highly engaged. Obviously, on the basis of his contribution the Deputy holds SNAs in high regard and I agree with him wholeheartedly. There are 17,000 SNAs in the country and they are the epicentre of every school. Students know them by their first names and on a highly personal basis. A report was completed during my term as Minister on what needs to be done for SNAs in terms of status and ensuring they get the proper professional qualification and recognition. Those recommendations need to be implemented because they are really important.

The Deputy also mentioned school secretaries. This is something for which I campaigned when I was in opposition and on the other side of the House and I wanted to see it brought to a conclusion during my term. That did not happen and at present, the issue of school secretaries and caretakers is with the Workplace Relations Commission. I hope progress can be made. It will be a budgetary decision for an incoming Government. There are a series of choices. In any event, I agree with the Deputy on secretaries and the responsible role they play. As someone pointed out during a previous debate, they are the glue of the school and are really important.

As for the priority of university status for the south-east region, we are on the same page. Whether it is a university for the south east or the north west, if we are to really focus on regional development, we need to have a university in the south east. I have spoken to officials in the higher education section of the Department in recent weeks. There is momentum at the minute. The application is being made ready and I believe we will be in a strong position for a university in the south east towards the end of the year.

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