Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the significant plans in train to provide the requisite accommodation in Dublin 15, I find it difficult to accept the proposals put forward by Deputy Burton who persists in trying to create panic over this matter. This is despite having been told of these plans time and again by the Minister, Deputy Hanafin. It may be colourful and headline grabbing to make outrageous allegations but the responsibility for the needless stress placed on parents will then have to be borne by her. The equally reckless allegation of a shortage of pupil places in Swords is unacceptable. There is no shortage. In media reports, the parents themselves accepted this and explained that they were merely exercising choice. I could pick off other points regarding class sizes, pupil-teacher ratios and prefab accommodation but I have made clear the huge improvements that have been made in recent years, particularly since 1997.

I wish to refer briefly to school transport, an issue raised earlier which concerns my own area of responsibility. The safety of such transport will continue to be a priority. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, told CIE representatives yesterday that he wants Bus Éireann to examine its maintenance procedures. This was also mentioned by the Taoiseach on the Order of Business this morning.

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