Pupils suffer as politicians waste money

The situation at Lauragh National School, whereby it is facing the threat of having insurance cover withdrawn because of fears of injuries to children, is intolerable.

So, too, is the callous attitude expressed by junior Minister Jim McDaid on behalf of Minister for Education Noel Dempsey that enrolment numbers would have to be looked at before major repairs were sanctioned.

Incredible though it is, the 141-year-old Kenmare school has never had its roof replaced and now its condition poses a serious threat to pupils and staff. The cost of repairing or replacing it would be about €35,000, although other works also need to be carried out.