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

I fully agree with my colleagues on the issue of pay equity. If we want to have the world-class education system to which we all aspire, we must have the best people in our classrooms. We must support teachers by providing for pay equity and restoring middle management positions that were removed in the past because the lack of such positions is causing problems in schools.

The 1% increase provided for capitation grants is small given the growing school population. In two schools in my constituency, capitation grants are not paid for 150 pupils because the schools are considered too large. This approach is wrong because small and large schools face particular challenges. I welcome the funding allocated for the pilot model for in-school speech and language therapy because it is badly needed.

On special educational needs, are there plans for developing a student-teacher ratio for special needs schools? This issue is referred to in the Minister's briefing document. While additional funding has been provided for resource teachers and special needs assistants, children with special needs living in urban areas and in counties close to Dublin cannot secure places in mainstream schools. This is a serious problem at primary and secondary level. If the Department is satisfied that sufficient funding is being provided to pay the salaries of resource teachers and special needs assistants, it must also provide matching capital to enable children with special needs to attend their local mainstream school.

The briefing document provides for funding for additional school bus routes. Will this result in greater flexibility regarding eligibility for attendance at a school of choice? I invite the Minister to respond to the questions members have asked.