Minister McEntee must intervene urgently as school funding crisis continues unabated – Darren O’Rourke TD

Thursday 15th May 2025, 16:32 pm

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has called on Minister Helen McEntee to respond to calls by principals, teachers, school communities and opposition political voices, and intervene urgently in the continuing crisis in school funding.

The Meath East TD said the increasing costs of insurance, electricity, heating and other running costs are putting huge strain on schools. At the same time, government funding in capitation, ancillary, summer works, ICT and other grants, are far too low and often delayed. He called on Minister McEntee to increase funding for schools and to introduce a grant calendar that works for schools.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“Schools are sinking under the weight of increasing bills. Yet, the Minister seems oblivious. Minister McEntee must intervene urgently to protect and support our schools.

“Figures released to me earlier this year show a huge increase in the number of schools referred to the Department’s Financial Support Services Unit due to funding pressures in the last two years however, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

“Teachers, principals, boards of management, teachers unions and parents right across the state have highlighted this funding crisis which is fast becoming an emergency.

“While the Minister points to expected capitation grant increases in the next budget, that is simply not enough. Our schools have suffered from chronic under-investment for years. Shocklingly, it is barely at pre-Troika levels now, despite inflation in the meantime.

“To add insult to injury, grants which were expected (such as ICT and summer works) have not yet materialised. These delays are unacceptable. This critical funding was last paid in April 2024 and has not yet been released this year. In fact there is absolutely no indication on when it will arrive.

“This underscores the chronic lack of funding, communication and vision from this government to provide the basic funding that schools needs to keep their doors open.

“Capitation and ancillary grants are provided to schools for upkeep, day-to-day running and employing of ancillary staff. Teacher and principal representatives have called for an increase in the capitation fund to help with school costs. This must happen. In continuing to ignore the funding crisis in schools, Minister McEntee is neglecting the fundamentals.

“In addition to increasing funding for schools and immediately addressing the delay in grant payments, Minister McEntee must introduce a grant calendar that works for schools. This must provide a guaranteed timeline for grants, and must start early in the school year. This makes absolute sense and will help schools to budget and manage their finances.

“If the Minister fails to act, I believe this issue will continue to worsen. Our schools cannot wait any longer, government’s failure to act is pushing principals, teachers and parents to breaking point.”

Copyright © All Rights Reserved