July 16, 2020
Budget estimates fail to reflect cost of re-opening schools safely – Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that serious questions remain over how the safe re-opening of schools will be funded.
 
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: “I am concerned that the newly released budget estimates for Education and Skills do not reflect the stark and significant changes in educational circumstances due to Covid-19. 
 
“I recognise the huge efforts of parents, pupils, teachers and all school staff who are committed to ensuring that schools can be re-opened safely.
 
“However, I am concerned that these efforts are not being matched by necessary government funding and that attempts to re-open schools could be undermined by insufficient financial support.
 
“The estimates produced by the Government do not reflect the reality that major financial investment is needed for schools. The Government needs to clarify who will pay if there are increased hygiene costs, additional salaries for extra staff, or additional transport costs to allow for more vehicles due to social distancing on school buses.
 
“I am extremely concerned that if these measures are not properly funded by the Government, schools will feel they have no option but to pass them down to parents. 
 
“Many families were already struggling to cover school costs before the pandemic, but the economic crisis caused by Covid-19 will mean even more families will find their finances extremely stretched. The costs of a full, safe return to school this year must not be left for schools and parents to shoulder alone. 
 
“I am calling on the Government to ensure that funding is provided up front by the Department, and that this is recognised in the budget going forward.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Government can and must act to ease cost-of-childcare burden on parents – @Kathleensf1

“Sinn Féin is calling for the government to give families a break by cutting the cost of childcare by two thirds from 2022 levels.”

https://vote.sinnfein.ie/government-can-and-must-act-to-ease-cost-of-childcare-burden-on-parents-kathleen-funchion-td/

The negotiations between London and Brussels are finished, and from today the deal is being implemented.

It is now time to move forward.

Later this month a delegation of U.S business leaders will visit.

We must work together in an Executive to seize the new economic…

Garda roster dispute: While it isn't the Minister's job to negotiate the dispute, it IS her job to ensure that this dispute is negotiated.

It can be resolved, but unfortunately the Minister is just standing back. She needs to get in there and assist – @Martin_Kenny on #TWIP

📺 Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications @Martin_Kenny will be live on @rtetwip today, from 12noon.

Watch here: https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow

#TWIP

Load More