Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Let us look at the issue of class size. What the Minister stated was important. It was not good but I taught classes with figures in excess of 55. I also taught classes as small as 16. There is an optimum figure of approximately 25 pupils for the best possible outcomes. We can get hung up on class numbers instead of the quality of teaching and teaching methodologies.

I strongly support the Minister in what she is attempting to do in focusing resources over an extended period on areas of disadvantage. To a greater or lesser extent, all Members have been responsible for trying to stretch the boundaries of areas of disadvantage with the result that resources are stretched ever more thinly. It is important that we identify the core areas of disadvantage in both rural and urban areas. We should ensure the strategies in place continue, not just for the life of this Government or the next but become the norm for educational provision. Research carried out into Early Start shows that while there has been a measurable improvement in the area of social development, there has not been a commensurate improvement in the area of academic achievement. The reason for this is that the inputs have not continued right through up to and including sixth class.

Regarding the issue of school buildings, there is nothing more depressing than to teach and work in a rundown working environment. That is the reason the Minister is correct in investing heavily in upgrading existing buildings and providing good quality buildings in areas where new school buildings are required. My biggest concern is the capacity of the construction industry to meet the demands of the summer work scheme and the normal school building programme over the next six to 12 months. The Minister said that not everything is perfect but many things that needed to be done have been done. I have heard the expression "progressive implementation" being used with regard to legislation. It is important that we build up resources in accordance with the needs that we identify. There is a danger that we will be tempted to throw money at it although no Minister for Finance will allow that to happen. I am pleased to support this Government amendment, I compliment the Minister on the Trojan work she is doing and I think she will go down as one of the most reforming Ministers in modern Irish history.

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