Parents at Scoil Mochua are worried they will need to fundraise to cover key school expenses including heating bills, insurance bills and the upkeep and adaptation of equipment.
The issue was raised by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil this week, calling for urgent Government action.
“This specific school is underfunded to the tune of €125,000, which is crucial for heating, cleaning and insurance costs. If this is allowed to go ahead, there’s a possibility that the school may not be able to function,” she said.
Ms McDonald called for immediate meetings between the Ministers for Education and Health and the school’s leadership to work out a resolution.
Scoil Mochua provides vital education and disability supports to approximately 76 children with profound physical and intellectual disabilities.
For 30 years, the school has transformed the lives of hundreds of children, relying on funding primarily from the Department of Education, amounting to €2.65m annually.
However, recent changes in funding arrangements by the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) saw the withdrawal of €125,000 in funding which Scoil Mochua has relied on to cover essential costs.
The decision was made “without meaningful consultation” with the school, according to Deputy McDonald, leaving it facing a significant funding crisis.
During a recent episode of RTÉ’s Prime Time, school principal Sophia Casey said the rug had been “pulled from under” their feet.
“We’ve always been committed to providing the highest quality education and care, and these cuts threaten to undermine that mission,” she said.
The board chair, Matt Swain, echoed her sentiments, adding: “We’re facing a real funding crisis, and without immediate intervention, the future of our school and the children we serve is at serious risk.”
Parents Avril and Gerry McStravick also shared their concerns over the gap in funding.
“It’s simply not fair to ask parents to fundraise to make up a shortfall of €125,000. We’re already stretched thin trying to care for our children,” Ms McStravick said.
In response to Deputy McDonald’s call for “Government action”, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe acknowledged the importance of supporting schools catering to children with additional needs.
“We recognise the pressures faced by schools like Scoil Mochua, and we want to ensure that these pupils get the support they need and deserve,” he said.
However, he also pointed out the broader context of funding, saying: “We cannot lose sight of the demands that schools are facing and the commitments we have made as a government.”
He noted that an extra €45m had been allocated to fund schools experiencing rising energy costs. Deputy Donohoe also said the Department of Education will now meet representatives from the school.
The Central Remedial Clinic and The Department of Education have been contacted for comment.
