Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I welcome the positive and overdue developments in funding for our schools. While there have been capitation increases, there have also been electricity cost increases. The running costs have increased and have not gone down. However, the specific issue that I raised here today is with the ancillary grant. The ancillary grant needs to be restored to the 2019 level of €96 million. It went down to €83 million last year which was a huge reduction. Because of this situation, schools do not know if they can actually employ a caretaker next year which is disrespectful to the caretaker who is the heartbeat of the school community. I know this at first hand because I was a primary school principal for a time. I know how essential our caretakers and secretaries are. Schools cannot function without caretakers and secretaries. I ask for the 2019 level of €96 million to be restored. I believe that is the only solution to this problem.

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