Independent TD Thomas Pringle said the government must prioritise proper funding and supports for primary schools.
He cited the Glebe National School in Donegal town as an example in the Dáil today as he supported an Independent motion to increase primary school funding.
“The Glebe National School in Donegal town, for example, has been waiting on a modular classroom for over a year now,” Deputy Pringle said.
“The application was submitted in March 2023 and it was expected that the classroom would be available in September 2023. It is now the end of the 2024 school year and still no sign.”
He added that the Minister should be prioritising, ensuring that children and teachers have access to safe and suitable learning environments and that sufficient resources and supports are available.
“I fully support this motion and its calls on the government to commit to aligning primary educational funding with the OECD average, to ensure the ancillary grant is sufficient to cover the cost of running schools and to enforce the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 to ensure that every child is receiving a proper education and sufficient support.”
Irish schools are in a ‘dire situation’ at the moment, he added.
“It is shocking that we rank last in terms of our investment in education of the 36 developed OECD countries. We invest 13% per capita compared to the 27% OECD average, and this is being reflected in our schools.”
Deputy Pringle was speaking in support of a motion in relation to Primary School Funding, and he thanked his Independent grouping colleague, Deputy Marian Harkin, for bringing it forward.