Mr. Noel Malone:

I thank Deputy Ó Ríordáin for his comments. While I spoke about the Limerick situation it was in the context of the Minister’s view on implementing a similar approach in other parts of the country. It cannot be like everything else because it changes everything once one has a geographical area and one operates on a centralised basis. One of the things we lack, as Deputy Ó Ríordáin said, is transparency, openness and the social mix on which we need to work hard to achieve. I would be disappointed if we accept 25% as a great move forward. It is great but why should we not get it right? I do not see why we cannot get it right from the beginning. Like the Deputy, I am a firm believer in looking at tradition and seeing how we can improve it. Otherwise, nothing will ever change.

Very few schools would come here today to talk about this unless to get at other schools or because they perceive another school is gaining an advantage. I come from a position of strength. I would like the committee to remember that. I have 150 first-year students every year. My school is one of those with an excess of students so I have everything to lose by what I say. I am not griping about my colleagues' schools that are doing this and that.

I firmly believe that in going about our business we must consider what is right for the children. I came from a disadvantaged background and I was given an opportunity to attend a middle class school, which transformed me. That is the reason I am here today. I feel very strongly about this issue and I see the advantage in a school such as Coláiste Chiaráin, where we have children from a wide mix of backgrounds, in that the disadvantage element of our DEIS status has become less of an issue, which is a wonderful achievement. I am very proud of that. I thank the Deputy for his comments.