Sixty per cent of young people surveyed said that they are worried about Covid-19 when they think of returning to school.
“We are hoping that the new format will increase participation,” says Fr Neil O’Donoghue, a lecturer in systematic theology.
“Normally you would have had graduation ceremonies and Masses, and I know how much you miss not having those important moments in your school life. This has been an extraordinary year and a particularly extraordinary couple of months,” said Bishop Denis Nulty.
“Developing a free education system will not happen overnight but the government must take the first step in creating a more equitable system,” said Suzanne Connolly, CEO, Barnardos.
“The world is very attractive for young people nowadays. They very much can have their own careers and get jobs, get third level education. That was not the case when sisters entered in my time,” says Sr Laura Boyle on the drop in vocations.
The survey showed that 11 per cent of primary school parents and 21 per cent of secondary school parents are forced to borrow money to cover school costs. Other parents either delay payment of other bills or take money out of savings.
School has a fine reputation in hurling - the entire six backs from last Sunday’s All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurling team are past pupils.
One in ten parents get into debt to send their children to school. Some even borrow from money lenders.
“The cost of sending children back to school is crippling too many families" warns Fergus Finlay.
Preparations underway for move to new campus in February.
