Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Earlier this year, I raised concerns regarding the capitation grant and was told it would be considered in the upcoming budget. With the budget approaching, I want to return to the issue. I have been speaking with school leaders across County Offaly, including St. Broghan's National School, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and Offaly School of Special Education. They are managing rising costs with a grant that simply has not kept pace. Fund-raising is now covering essential non-extras and that is not sustainable. It is pulling teachers and principals away from the core focus, which should be students. I ask the Government to take this seriously in the upcoming budget to increase the capitation grant and begin work on a more sustainable, long-term model for school funding.

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