Parents vent anger at lack of funds for DLS

March 1997

A crowded meeting of De La Salle parents vents its anger and frustration over the Department of Education’s refusal to allocate funds for the college extension in this year’s capital estimate.

The gathering hears that the present school, built for 400, now has 700 students; and parents are horrified to learn of the overcrowded conditions, lack of basic classroom space, and a shortage of science, language and technology facilities.

Since 1979, the college authorities, staff, parents and past-pupils union have provided nearly £500,000 for improvements, while the department has given very little.

The extension was listed as a priority in 1994, and all that is being asked is for is basic justice, and the same facilities that are enjoyed in other schools, the attendance hears.

A demand is made that the minister immediately meets with a deputation from parents and the school to discuss the problem.

Should that fail to bring about a satisfactory outcome, parents will consider public protests locally, as well as outside Dail Eireann, and withdrawal of students.

Many parents express the view that they have a right to choose which school to send their children to.

It will be regrettable if the college is forced to reduce its intake, while concern is expressed at the health risk of the present overcrowding.

One speaker is struck by the contrasting manner in which the government can spend money on a beef tribunal, yet neglect its essential function of providing funding for the proper education of children.