Laois schools in 'dire' financial straits

Sinn Féin TD says electricity costs increased by an average of 35% insist

placeholder image — Sinn Féin TD says electricity costs increased by an average of 35% insist

Laois Offaly representative calls for more money for local schools in crisis

Schools in Laois are in urgent need of a cash injection due to what a Laois TD claims is a funding crisis caused by higher bills.

Speaking in The Dáil in the past week, local Sinn Féin TD for Laois/Offaly Brian Stanley called for increased funding for primary schools in Laois and Offaly.

“A number of schools in Laois and Offaly have contacted me regarding the funding crisis, and outlined the dire financial situation they are in," he said.

He continued: "In recent weeks I have also met with the INTO and Irish Primary Principals' Network, to listen to them and their concerns around funding for their schools. While costs continually go up, support in real terms from the state goes down," he said.

The TD claimed the Government does not listen to them.

"If the Government did listen, they would know that seven out of ten primary schools have run at a deficit at some stage over the past 12 months. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Brian Stanley TD

“Schools reported that their heating costs have risen by an average of 37% over the course of the past two years.

"Electricity costs increased by an average of 35%, and insurance costs by 19% on average during the same period. One off cost of living grants does not cut the mustard. They do not address the ongoing funding crisis," he said.

The TD that if schools are lucky the Capitation Grant will cover heating, electricity, and school insurance but there are other bills to be paid.

"It does not cover costs such as bins and sanitary disposal, office software system, Irish water charges, or a range of other things," he said.

The Sinn Féin representative said OECD figures show that Ireland spends on average 12.5% less per student at primary level than other developed countries.

He added that the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael/Green coalition could fund the education sector adequately if they chose to.

"This Government chooses not to fund our primary schools to the levels required. Funding in Education needs serious, immediate, and huge investment.

“The Capitation Grant needs to be aligned with current cost of living and in parity with other educational sectors. A Grants Schedule must be published at the start of each school year with certainty that the funding outlined will be paid on the dates outlined," he said.

The TD said the teacher supply crisis must also be urgently addressed.