Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I acknowledge that the Government backbenchers who spoke also have a genuine interest in this issue. They are genuinely disturbed that their Government colleagues have not provided the funding to address this and other important social issues, which make a significant difference to people's future prospects and in providing young people with an opportunity to become the best they can within the school system, particularly in disadvantaged schools. Central to this debate is having correct priorities and putting the money where it will make a real difference to ordinary citizens, particularly the children of this country.

I want to refer to an issue which was raised by both Ministers and to the contributions of Deputies Penrose, Stagg, Burton and others who represent these growing areas. I refute the suggestion that there are 35 pupils in one class because the school has engineered it so there will be only 15 in another class.

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