Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy Peter Power for sharing his time with me and I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this Private Members' motion. I favour the Government's amendment for two reasons. First is the issue of targets. The Opposition's motion makes much of the Government's commitment to reduce class sizes to international best practice guidelines. In the view of Opposition Members, this is in the context of the Government's failure in respect of the pupil-teacher ratio. To accept such a view would be a mistake and would send the wrong signal to the citizens of this country.

The Progressive Democrats believe that when the programme for Government and policy targets are being set for a period of five years, it is important to aim for international best standards, which is no less than the people deserve. Due to our prudent and experienced management of the economy, we have the resources to invest in health, education, transport and policing. As the Minister pointed out, the Government is investing considerable sums of money in school building and modernisation projects. In the past six years, €2.5 billion has been allocated to thousands of projects, which will make a significant difference to individual school communities around Ireland.

It would have been easier not to pursue international best standards in class sizes. When the Government took office, we needed to reverse decades of underinvestment and respond to rapidly emerging needs and new demands. Not pursuing those standards would have been a softer option. Instead, we knew the resources, skills and talents of teachers and public servants justified aiming for the highest standards. It is regrettable to send a message to the electorate that if the Opposition framed a programme for Government, something less than the best would be pursued. This is not the policy of the Progressive Democrats.

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