Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief because of what the witnesses have said. They have made their recommendations and we have met them before privately.

This issue has been raised in the Dáil and the Seanad at various times and I am glad the witnesses had an opportunity to make the case here. They make an unarguable case and if the Government really values rural Ireland, and unfortunately none of its members is here, it will have to ensure that it values the smaller schools with teaching principals that are predominantly, although not entirely, in rural areas. One thing that struck me when I met the witnesses, and what they have set out today will strike many people, is that photograph of a three-teacher school with an absolutely massive staff. Huge reform is needed in this area. It is also striking that with all the circulars that have been issued, the last circular on principals was issued more than 40 years ago in 1975, if I read the submission correctly. What principals are expected to do will have to be addressed as well. There is also secretarial support. The secretaries are obviously a concern and are on my mind this year. Fianna Fáil will wish to do its best for the principals if it can get the Government to agree, and we will do as much as we can this year. It might not all happen in one year but the witnesses' colleagues should continue to demand action in the budget.