More TDs urged to donate pay to schools

The country would need “thousands of TDs” giving up part of their salaries to keep all threatened schools open, a Kerry politician claimed yesterday.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae was reacting to a decision by a fellow TD in Kerry South, Brendan Griffin, to give part of his salary to pay for a third teacher in a school in his constituency.

Mr Griffin, who promised prior to the last general election to take only half of his salary, if elected, is providing €30,000 (after tax) to allow Fybough national school employ a third teacher privately.