Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I want to know when the promise to double of the capitation grant within the lifetime of this Government will occur. I refer specifically to the summer work scheme. I am at a loss for words. I have served on five boards of management. I have seen the amount of work done in schools, from fixing roofs to removing asbestos to fixing boilers. What will replace the scheme now that the Minister is withdrawing it? I understand she faces a challenge with increasing numbers but she cannot allow schools to fall apart. There needs to be something in place of the scheme.

I raise the urgent matter of young mothers in education. In recent days six young mothers have come to me to inform me that the €50,000 once-off funding that came from the Department of Education and Science has now been cut in Galway. The funding helps 60 young mothers access third level education by giving a stipend towards child care. That funding is now cut and the latest news is that 25 of these young mothers are at serious risk of having to drop out of education within the next month. Three of the project workers have been put on protective notice. We need to be serious about education. This is an investment in these young mothers but it is also an investment in their children.