Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)

The Opposition motion in no way acknowledges the work done or progress made to date. Every Deputy is aware of the problems in terms of school facilities. We are playing catch-up and starting from a low base. Every Deputy, including the Fine Gael and Labour Deputies who put their names to the motion — that is a shame — is aware of significant improvements in school facilities in their constituencies.

I compliment the Minister, who is working hard to make real improvements. Recently, she met a delegation seeking a new Gaelscoil in Oranmore in my constituency of Galway West. She also met Oireachtas Members from County Galway. The case of overcrowding and chronic conditions they put to the Minister was solid. She was excellent in the meeting and gave a commitment that she would move the project forward. I welcome the fact that she gave permission to the OPW to advertise for a site, for which ten expressions of interest have been received. I publicly thank the Minister for her work.

In business, the setting out of so-called stretch goals is now standard practice. It enables one to find out what a system is capable of producing and helps move it towards its best possible performance. In pursuing best international standards, the Progressive Democrats and their colleagues in government have done this in respect of the education system. It has delivered much. At primary level, the figures are 63 new schools, 246 large-scale refurbishments and extensions, 63 modernised schools, 55 school extensions and more than 4,300 refurbishment projects. At post-primary level, the figures are 19 new schools, 129 large-scale refurbishments and extensions and more than 1,300 refurbishment projects.

When children start in their new classes next September, there will be 4,000 more primary teachers than in 2002, that is, one teacher for every 17 pupils at primary level. The average class size has been reduced to 24 pupils. The Government has made the right choices rather than the easy ones and targeted extra teachers at those who need them most, that is, children with special educational needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those with English language needs. The Opposition's motion would lead one to believe it would have made different decisions, but they would have been the wrong ones. This gives the electorate an interesting indication of the choice it faces in the next election.

See this speech in context