Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

He has first-hand knowledge of the impact this decision will have. At a time when literacy and numeracy are being prioritised by the Department of Education and Skills, it defies logic that supports for literacy and numeracy in DEIS schools are being decimated. It makes no sense. Does the Taoiseach accept that the imposition of these cuts on pupils who need extra support, through no fault of their own, is a retrograde step?

See this speech in context