Pupils pile on the pressure for Minister as she visits St Aidan’s

By Mary Dennehy

MINISTER Katherine Zappone was put under pressure during a recent visit to St Aidan’s SNS when pupils questioned the local TD on how she plans to support children living in their community, how much she earns and her age.

After a visit to Leinster House in November, students invited the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone TD to their Brookfield school and proved that engaging with local representatives, and asking questions, can happen at any age.

Sixth-class teacher Una Clingan told The Echo: “The Minister was put under a bit of pressure and there was lots of questions on what she does, why she came to live in Ireland, her salary and her age put forward.

“The Minister was great with the children and answered all of their questions, and afterwards we had a lovely assembly with the fifth and sixth classes during which the choir sang Wishing on a Star and we watched a presentation on life in St Aidan’s Senior National School.

“The Minister also spoke very openly with the children and the whole event was really personal, and a lovely memory for the children to have.

“It also introduced them to politics and showed them that they can engage with their local representatives.”

Staff also raised issues with the Minister on the need for resources and class sizes.