Galway schools transport issue
Deputy Connolly says she has exhausted other avenues over a specific access problem affecting two Galway schools, which she suggests may also affect others. The Taoiseach says he will follow the matter up with the Minister for Education and come back to her.
Briefly, in the context of the programme for Government, there are many positive commitments one of which states that inclusion in and access to education is the foundation for a more just and equal society. I have tried everything before standing up here today. I have written to two Ministers, namely, the Ministers for Education and for Transport. I have tabled Dáil questions. It is a very net issue. I acknowledge the funds given during Covid for schools to keep them going and for packages at home. In terms of my specific question, two schools in Galway, but I am sure it applies to other schools, are incurring costs on a weekly basis sending out education packages to those who have no access to computers or to the relevant appliances. It is a very small amount of money in terms of the Department's budget but it will make a huge difference to the two schools in question which are incurring weekly costs sending out essential packages.
Comment on this
I will follow that up with the Minister for Education. I understand the point the Deputy is making. I do not know why they have not responded yet but I will come back to the Deputy on it.