GAA coverage and Clonmel school
Senator Ahearn supported greater GAA access but noted many people already watch through dodgy boxes. He then turned to the needs of Sisters of Charity National School in Clonmel, whose growing enrolment and expanding town are creating pressure for more provision.
I thank the Cathaoirleach. As he said he was being lenient in the context of people talking about more than one issue-----
Comment on this
I only have one issue. I wish to comment on what the previous two speakers mentioned.
Comment on this
I want to do so. I agree with them. The Tipperary game against Cork will be on television next weekend, and we will set you back after we win. There are so many GAA games being watched on RTÉ every week. People talk about games being behind a paywall, but some people forget that there are many who watch those games on dodgy boxes that cost €70 per year.
Comment on this
I am not condoning it, and I certainly do not have one. However, there are many people using that facility to watch games at home, which is not what the GAA, RTÉ or anyone wants. It is not true to say that people are not watching at home, that is for sure.
The Sisters of Charity National School in Clonmel is a wonderful primary school that caters for approximately 380 girls. It has a brilliant reputation and is led by Clíodhna Breen, the principal. There are 15 teachers there. However, due to a rising population and Clonmel expanding in size, more children are coming in. The school has been given the go-ahead to have a 16th class teacher and an additional shared special educational teacher for September next. The problem is that it must wait a year for this to be put in place because appointments for the 2024-25 academic year can only be made on the basis of posts authorised in 2022-23. Being obliged to wait so long is having a major impact on the school. I ask that the Department of Education engage and support the school, if possible. It is a really good school and has a brilliant reputation. The school also has an application with the building unit because it does not have enough rooms or facilitates to cater for the number of pupils it has. It does what it can but it is not perfect. The principal and the board of management need to have much better communication with and support from the Department on those issues. I ask for this to be done.