Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sorry, Deputy McNamara. There are two elevations. The findings of the survey conducted by the Catholic Primary School Management Association highlighted a concerning reality. The fact that seven out of ten primary schools have run at a deficit at some point over the past twelve months indicates a significant financial strain on our education system. This strain is due to insufficient core funding from the State, forcing schools to rely on cash reserves to cover day-to-day costs.

We have seen schools out every day shaking the bucket to try to pay basic bills. This happens throughout County Kerry. I am dealing with boards of management, principals, teachers and indeed parents who are put under pressure by the fact the State is not providing the necessary funding to run our schools properly. It is like a slippery slope. This was happening before Covid. It has been going on for a long time that schools are being left to their own devices. The education of our young people is such an important issue. Our teachers, principals and boards of management have enough to be doing and should not be out shaking buckets in an attempt to raise money to pay for essentials for their schools.

I thank the Independent Group for bringing this important motion before us. We need action from the Government on this issue.

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