Republican News · Thursday 6 February 2002

Ó Caoláin challenges Taoiseach on state of schools

Thousands of third-level students took to the streets on Wednesday afternoon in a protest organised by the Union of Students in Ireland over the introduction of college fees

The Taoiseach was challenged in the Dáil on Wednesday by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD who asked if the Taoiseach was "aware that just before the last General Election the then Minister for Education published a partial list of schools with partial information, leading many people to believe that the essential works on their schools would be carried out last year or this year." The Cavan/Monaghan Deputy, speaking during the first leaders' Dáil Questions to be televised live by RTE, put it to the Taoiseach that now that the current Minister for Education had published the real list "there is anger and a sense of betrayal among parents, pupils, teachers and boards of management throughout this State".

"Hundreds of schools have been told that they will not be given the go-ahead to proceed with essential refurbishment or rebuilding of schools, many of which are in a deplorable state. What has the Taoiseach to say to teachers trying to teach and young children trying to learn in schools that are damp, rat-infested or overcrowded?" he asked.

Drawing attention to the demonstration by third level students in Dublin, Ó Caoláin said that there was "little improvement in the numbers of students from disadvantaged areas gaining access to third level. And there is real concern that it is the government's intention to reintroduce fees at third level.

"There is a need for sustained and increased investment in providing access for all to third-level education," he said.

The Cavan/Monaghan TD addressed the national rally of students called by the Union of Students in Ireland which took place outside Leinster House on Wednesday afternoon.