Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have had a brief debate but we are waiting with bated breath for the Minister's reply to Senator Gallagher's question on the third level issue. The third level sector is competing within the education budget, which, in turn, is competing with those of all other Departments. According to the most recent OECD survey, average spending on education between 2008 and 2013 increased by 8% among its members but it is reduced by 7% in Ireland. I wish the Minister well with his negotiations. We have to fight harder to secure more resources for education at all levels.

It is difficult to measure educational outcomes because of the variation from school to school, region to region and in disadvantaged areas. For example, schools may have put more of an emphasis on developing transversal skills. We need to take on board the different types of outcomes to develop the well rounded individuals we want in our society.

Reference was made earlier to an emphasis on CoderDojo, science and maths but it is also hugely important to develop the humanities and the entire arts sphere. In the context of demographics, Deputy Byrne mentioned how lucky Gormanstown College was to evolve and enter the free education sector. We face a similar scenario in south Kildare and I welcome the engagement we have had with the Minister regarding the provision of a second level school. The data show there is a need. It is unfortunate that the Department is including a fee paying private school in the data. Parents feel that is not correct. The Minister mentioned that Mr. Plunkett is the expert on this and I would welcome the opportunity to take it up with him afterwards.

There is significant uncertainty in the projected special education figures. Surely there should be more collaboration with the HSE and the Department of Health. We are getting better figures and more information at an earlier stage in respect of children diagnosed with an intellectual or other disability. Surely there should be some correlation in the data before children enter primary school. We seem to be chasing a response to demand at that point in time. Perhaps the Minister will explain the differences in the student to SNA ratio in different sectors. For example, what are the targets for ratios in mainstream classes, special classes in mainstream schools, special schools, etc.? There should be a greater emphasis on providing figures that are broken down by region given the complexity of the demographic changes nationwide. Does the Minister have plans in the pipeline for 2017 that would allow for regional comparisons?

Will the Minister provide information to the committee about the delivery of new school places in 2016 and their timelines? Have there been significant delays?