Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister, Deputy Naughton, is new in the role. I wish her the best of luck in that role and I am sure she will do a wonderful job. I will ensure she is aware of the situation in Darver National School. Many improvements have been made right across the country. In my constituency I have seen some great work done in older schools that may have been built in the 50s or 60s, which were deteriorating and becoming dilapidated. They have brand new extensions. Children are in most cases attending school in much more comfortable, warmer and dryer conditions compared with when I was in primary school. Significant improvements have been made in that regard.

I agree that the increase in capitation has been too long coming, but it is here now. I am sure that what is happening in the school the Deputy referenced may be a legacy of being underfunded from a capitation point of view and I hope this increase will help that. I know the school has been in touch with the FSSU. The Department has been in touch with the school. We need to get through this to ensure that we can avoid situations where parents are having to get their children to bring these essential hygiene products into school with them. I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I am sure it is a fantastic school as he has just highlighted. The important thing now is to ensure that its finances are in order so that it can provide the absolute basics.

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