Garda probe into missing €250k at private school

A GARDA investigation has been launched into a top private school in one of the country’s most expensive areas after almost €250,000 went missing from its accounts.

St Michael’s College in the millionaire-row Ailesbury Road area of south Dublin city, has confirmed an “apparent misappropriation of funds has been uncovered”.

Enrolment at the private school, which in recent years has regularly been placed among Ireland’s most sought-after ‘feeder’ schools for third-level institutions, costs the families of its 6,000 day-school pupils more than €4,300 a year. As such, its total enrolment income exceeds €2.5 million every year.

Gardaí are understood to be investigating whether a massive €250,000 of this money was misspent or illegally taken by an individual or individuals.

“An apparent misappropriation of funds from St Michael’s College, Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4, has been uncovered. A Garda investigation is under way,” a statement on behalf of the private school from the Spiritan Provincialate religious group confirmed.

“The boards of management are happy to be able to offer the reassurance that no public funds have been misappropriated and that the quality of education offered by the school will not be adversely affected by this development.

“We will make a further statement when we are in a position to do so,” the statement said.

A Garda spokesperson was unable to provide any further information other than to confirm that Donnybrook Garda Station is leading an investigation into financial issues at the school.

While the Department of Education pays for some set expenses at private second- level facilities such as teacher salaries, it is understood none of the missing money involves public funds.

While feeder schools are often lauded for their level of academic achievement, they receive an equal amount of criticism for their perceived elitism.