Parents and pupils must be reassured that they will not face extra costs due to a Department of Education cut to the annual grant for primary schools, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said:
“Just one year into a free schoolbooks scheme, which was announced with much fanfare by the Government, it has now emerged that primary school funding for 2024/25 is being cut by €16 per pupil nationally – from €96 a year to €80.
“This total reduction of €7 million is going to put already stretched schools under further pressure to pay their bills and cover the cost of materials.
“It is one of the many little cuts that will really hurt parents and schools, who deserve certainty – not fear of unexpected cutbacks and additional bills.
“It is disconcerting to see the Department quietly rowing back on funding commitments so soon after the introduction of the free schoolbooks scheme – hailed by the Government as major reform of the education system.
“Minister Norma Foley must now give a guarantee that families won’t be hit with higher bills because of this sleight of hand.”
May 13, 2024