Sharkey calls for school funding to be improved in forthcoming Budget

Cllr Tomás Sharkey

Sinn Féin County Councillor and LMETB member Tomás Sharkey is calling for improved capitation grants for schools in the coming budget.

In a statement, Cllr Sharkey said cuts had gone too far in recent years but schools now needed support to provide better learning environments for students.

“For the last number of years we have seen the capitation funding for schools cut. This funding is to cover the running costs of our local schools. Only this summer the Louth Meath Education and Training Board was told that schools may be short of funds to pay for heating, lighting and maintenance as the financial year draws to a close.

“The Minister for Education has been informed by many CEOs of Education and Training Boards, management bodies and her own civil servants that there is a crisis in schools when it comes to paying bills. Without heating or lighting our schools would have to close. I find it hard to stomach reports that she is actively considering a 1% cut in this funding for schools in the coming budget.”

Councillor Sharkey, who is a second level teacher, said: “Everybody knows that schools have greater overheads than ever. More evening events than ever are being held in schools increasing heating and energy costs. There are huge changes in the curriculum increasing the demand for resources such as work sheets, projects that cost money to print.

“It makes no sense for this Minister to continue to starve our schools, teachers, students and families of the basic requirements for a proper learning environment.”

Dundalk Schools face Wicklow this afternoon

Dundalk Schools will be taking on Wicklow Schools in the opening round of the Leinster Post Primary Senior Football A Championship this afternoon.

Throw-in at Pairc na nGaeil on the Ramparts Road is at 2pm.

Students want career guidance, insists Sharkey

Cllr Tomás Sharkey

Sinn Féin Councillor Tomás Sharkey has raised the need for career guidance services to be properly resourced in Louth schools.

“Leaving Cert students are busy finalising their applications for college entry in September 2014. They are filling in their forms ready for the final deadline of 1st February. Unfortunately, students in Louth and across this state are left to do this without the same supports and advice that previous students had. This government cut the ring fenced provision of guidance counselling in our schools last year,” said Cllr Sharkey.

“Comhairle na nÓg is a youth forum in Louth. That group of teenagers came to the December monthly meeting of Louth County Council and explained clearly what their concerns were. In their presentation to councillors, teenagers were concerned about the ‘consistency of availibility of career guidance counsellors and the delivery of career guidance intervention.’  They gave a clear recommendation to us and said they wanted more funding for career guidance and the provision of career guidance earlier in school life.

“As a teacher, I know how much students and parents value the advice that a career guidance counsellor can give. I also know how confusing it can be for students at this time. Young people have told us their concerns and have offered sensible solutions. It is time the government listened to them.”