Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I want to be very clear at the outset. What happened in Parnell Square, in close proximity to a school, was an unprecedented event. There are 4,000 schools, 1 million pupils and 100,000 school staff in Ireland. They are excellent environments in which children are mentored, minded, guarded and protected. I want to salute and acknowledge the excellent work that happens every single day in our schools. As a consequence of this particular incident, which happened in close proximity to a school, as I have outlined significant supports have been made available through the NEPS teams which have been in the school since the incident happened. They continue to be there and will support the school, staff and students.

Significant funding has been made available through initiatives to Dublin's north inner city in terms of financing initiatives to support the area. I want to be very clear. The incident that occurred was not necessarily an incident related to the school, which is important. By that I mean that the individuals concerned, whether passers-by or the perpetrator of the crime, are not a reflection on the specific area and the very good people who live, work and send their children to the schools or crèches in the area. I want to be very clear. This is not indicative of the people who live and work in that area.

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