Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD today called on the government to fix the funding crisis at Scoil Mochua in Clondalkin.

Speaking in the Dáil, Ms McDonald raised the issue with Minister Paschal Donohoe at Leaders Questions.

She said that it is unacceptable that the school which supports 76 children with disabilities faces closure early in the new year due the withdrawal of €125,000 in vital funding.

Teachta McDonald said:

“The vital funding is being removed with no meaningful consultation, with no plan or pathway to plug the gap. The rug has literally been pulled from under the feet of those working nonstop to keep the school going.

“This has caused real distress for the children, their parents and the staff of the school.

“It’s a double blow for the school.

“They were told that they will have to manage their own payroll and expenditure from September. They were also told that CRC were withdrawing the additional funding of €125,000.

“The Scoil Mochua now faces a very real funding crisis. If the government doesn’t intervene, the school will be in big trouble early next year.

“They need a solution. They need a plan. They need the government to put their minds at rest and give an assurance that the funding will be sorted.

“The government must meet with Scoil Mochua and the CEO of the CRC to work out a speedy solution, one that guarantees the future of the school.”