Cathal Barry
CPSMA makes call for subsidy commitment
Amid increasing concern among struggling schools that the Government may axe crucial maintenance grants, the head of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) has called on newly appointed Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan to ensure the subsidies are paid.
Warning that many school buildings remain in a “hopelessly inadequate” state, Fr Tom Deenihan said it is “vital” that grants towards the upkeep and repair of rundown schools continue to be made available in the future.
The summer works scheme and minor works grant were restored in 2014 after going unpaid for two years. The Government, however, has failed to commit to making the funds available again in 2015.
Labour TD Seán Sherlock said “it would be premature to give an absolute commitment at this stage”.
Repairs
“We would hope to be in a position to try to ensure that schools funding for the necessary repairs and minor works will be provided, but we cannot say that for certain until we have got through the negotiations on budget 2015,” he said.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic this week, Fr Deenihan said “it has been a matter of concern for some time now that local parishes have had to supplement department grants in order to pay necessary bills”.
“Local communities have been subventing local schools and are willing to do so but they desperately require assistance from the Department of Education and Skills,” Fr Deenihan said.
“It is a fact that many of the children being taught in primary schools, particularly in rural areas, are being taught in buildings which are hopelessly inadequate in terms of energy efficiency and health and safety regulations.
“Primary schools throughout the county were delighted at the restoration of the grants which had been suspended for some time, and expect it to continue into the future,” he said.
