Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today, more than 70,000 students are getting their junior certificate results, which is a record number of students. I wish them well. For many students, the education budget announced last week will have been a serious disappointment because once-off supports for schools have been cut to only €60 million, compared with €91 million last year. There was no permanent increase in capitation until September next year, 11 months away. For schools struggling with increased costs this winter, the once-off grant is lower and the cleaning grant is gone. There is particular concern for disadvantaged schools as the expansion of DEIS is leading to a dilution of focus. Yesterday, my colleague, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, asked the Minister, Deputy Foley, about a specific commitment to fund a new focused DEIS plus scheme with trauma-informed supports for extremely disadvantaged schools. A group of 30 school principals is leading this campaign. As the Taoiseach says his priority is child poverty, will he agree to meet a delegation of the principals fighting for a DEIS plus scheme? Will he reverse the cut to once-off capitation funding for schools?

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