Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that because it is a serious concern for that school and must be for other fee-paying schools as well. These schools are struggling the same as ordinary schools and they need the capitation grant and the minor works grant at this time. It is essential for this school and others. I have been talking to schools in Castletownbere, Kilcrohane, Ballydehob, Belgooly, Baltimore, throughout west Cork and in different places, and parents and teachers are worried. The school in Castletownbere will not open unless it gets an extra teacher. We have been in contact with the Department and the matter can hopefully be resolved.

I am also worried about St. Brogan's College in Bandon. This is a very serious issue because it has been massively over capacity for the last number of years. Many beautiful plans are being discussed but there are no deadlines for when a sod will be turned. What is going to happen in September? We cannot even contemplate years down the road. Only a few months ago, many of the parents in Bandon were told to educate their children in Cork city, which was unacceptable. I am running out of time.

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