Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to outline the position in relation to the financial situation in Sacred Heart school, Killinarden, and the ongoing support that the Department of Education is providing. I speak on behalf of the Minister for Education. That is what I can do. I hear what the Deputy is saying. I hear that circumstances are such that the advice being given to the school is probably not advice it is in a position to take. Reaching out to the community probably is not possible, as the Deputy said. The school has done everything it can. While my response here tells me that the advance in capitation grant funding is being provided to the school to alleviate current cashflow issues and that the FSSU, on behalf of the Department, will also continue to work with and support the school in the longer term, I still hear what the Deputy is saying, that this in itself, while useful and positive, is not sufficient to manage the crisis that seems to be facing the school. All I can promise is that I have heard what the Deputy said, I have taken some notes, and I will ensure they are brought to the relevant Minister's attention.

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