Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is evident that the Minister is not doing enough and her plan is to continue to not do enough. In the past month, a cursory look at the Dáil Chamber showed that at least 15 TDs from every party raised funding concerns on behalf of dozens of local schools. In every case, it was about insufficient funding and money that was intended for programme A, whether that be educational disadvantage, summer works or hot school meals, being used instead for day-to-day running costs: wages, insurance, energy, electricity and heat. School leaders have handed over their books to local TDs and shown them what is happening. For example, it is not unusual for a school’s insurance costs to be in excess of 25% of its capitation. It is very clear that the current level of funding is wholly inadequate. The Minister has indicated the projected level of funding. With respect, we have all heard her response ten times over because it is the exact same response to every Deputy who has raised this matter. There is a significant problem and it needs an urgent response.

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