Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While Deputy McConalogue has covered most points, I will raise one or two more. The minor works grant has been put to one side because of financial pressures, which, as I have stated previously, is an extremely short-sighted measure because schools that use this type of grant to maintain their properties will fall into greater disrepair and it will cost more in the long run. I ask the Minister to reconsider this decision. Alternatively, he might provide members with analysis on whether a study was conducted as to how it will affect particular schools.

Everyone recognises that in common with all other Departments, the education sector is under significant pressure. It is not always about where one can save money or can implement cuts as one also should give consideration to the different ways in which education is delivered. I am sure the Department could and should be considering a number of cost-neutral measures and perhaps a discussion is required on some such measures that could be implemented and which would improve the manner in which the education system is delivered. I acknowledge the Minister is so doing in the context of the legislation members have just been discussing regarding the further education sector. This demonstrates how it is possible to bring forward positive reforming measures, which will have a highly positive impact and which will save money in the long term, without affecting front-line services. Perhaps a wider discussion is required on such measures at both primary and post-primary level. Is the Department considering other cost-neutral measures at present?

One major issue affecting the teaching profession at present is that of newly qualified teachers and the difficulties they face in trying to secure full-time employment. The Minister might be able to provide some thoughts and ideas on how the Department plans to address the casualisation taking place within the teaching profession. On the question of student grants, a number of areas must be considered. While a reduction of 3% in grants is being contemplated, one reason the Department put forward was that income levels need to be considered. Income levels have fallen by approximately 8% and it must be seen in that context. While this may be the case, expenditure from those incomes also has increased. As people are paying more indirect taxation and property taxes are being introduced, families' actual disposable income also is decreasing and this matter must be considered. I am interested in the subject of capital assets in respect of grants and when that policy will be produced because it will have a significant effect on a large number of people who are trying to access the education system. As for the issue of fee-paying schools, members had sight of the report yesterday and I wonder what is the next move in this regard. I am sure it will feed into the budget measures that will be announced for next year but I would appreciate the Minister's thoughts in this regard.

It was clear from that report that fee-paying schools can absorb a change in the pupil-teacher ratio. According to the figure in the report, if the pupil-teacher ratio was increased to 28:1, they could even absorb that. It is currently 23:1, so there is scope there. I know the Minister cannot do it in one fell swoop but is the Minister examining that matter in terms of trying to save money? If we are saving money there we need to invest it in education in disadvantaged communities. That is what needs to happen and no one could argue against such a policy. I wonder what the Minister's own thoughts are on that point.