John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)

In recent weeks, the debating team at St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, was crowned European debating champions. A team from Coláiste Choilm in Tullamore is in Texas right now competing in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition. Students from Sacred Heart school, Tullamore, will be in Texas next week, along with students from Cork and Kildare, all of whom will be competing against the best in the world from more than 50 countries. These achievements shine a global spotlight on our students and their country and underscore what is possible when we invest in them and instil a confidence that they truly are the best in the world. To sustain and expand those benefits, we must secure continued support for STEAM engagement officers, equipment, teacher training, scholarships and the crucial STEAM roles in every local authority. By doing so, we will strengthen rural communities, drive sustainable economic growth and ensure counties like Offaly remain a leader in digital innovation.

Finance should not be a barrier to student participation. Tubber National School had to fundraise to enable its students to travel to Texas last year. Both Coláiste Choilm and Sacred Heart School have carried out extensive fundraising for their trip to represent Ireland. A rolling funding scheme should be introduced to assist in funding schools that represent Ireland internationally in listed and recognised extracurricular subject competitions. We must provide all the support we can to ensure students have all the necessary resources to achieve their goals and enable us collectively to celebrate when they stand on a stage or podium and "Amhrán na bhFiann" is played. I ask that the Minister give consideration to introducing such a budget.

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