Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I strongly support Deputy Gregory's amendment, amendment No. 10, which is both positive and progressive. It would add to the legislation by strengthening its depth and quality. This is an important section of the Bill that deals specifically with the issue of educational disadvantage. It also concerns the Minister's educational policy.

Amendment No. 10 is strongly connected to the Minister's announcement yesterday of an allocation of €40 million to tackle educational disadvantage. I commend her for that extra assistance for children in areas of educational disadvantage which is a positive and progressive step. However, it is all very well to have third level institutions on sites in various communities but we must open up such services for the use of children and local community groups.

Space is a major issue in this part of Dublin. It will be a positive development if the local community, including youth groups and others, will have the opportunity to use these facilities. Such space is urgently required.

I remind the Minister that the extra €40 million to tackle educational disadvantage is part of a strategy to deal with disadvantaged areas generally. Other strategies are also required to provide proper housing and employment. Deputy Gregory's amendment would add teeth to these concepts.

We must support the investment being made int areas of educational disadvantage. In this respect, I welcome the additional €40 million in expenditure, which is important. In particular, I welcome the improved system for identifying the levels of disadvantage in schools. Smaller classes are essential, comprising a pupil-teacher ratio of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes. I am glad the Minister has targeted resources at those in most need.

The provision of early childhood education is a key strategy because most children in disadvantaged areas start such education at four years of age, two or three years behind the average middle income family. Social deprivation is the reason for this educational disadvantage.

Deputy Gregory's amendment seeks special provision for educationally disadvantaged children to enable them to progress to third level education. This will be the key to any long-term strategy. I wish to see a ten year programme to identify children moving from primary to second level and who, I hope, will get a crack at third level education. It is sad that many such children drop out of the education system too early. As a result, the State is losing this resource. Many children from disadvantaged areas leave the school system for economic and social reasons. When one meets them ten years later, they are not necessarily all unemployed. Some may be and get into difficulties but the majority end up running their own businesses, some with top quality jobs, due to sheer effort and determination in using their creativity. I often wonder if they had had the opportunity of finishing the leaving certificate and entering third level, what type of people they would be.

As Deputy Gregory's strong amendment would add to the Bill, I urge all Deputies to support it.

See this speech in context