Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Whatever link there is between the school and the home, it must include the parents and guardians of the children concerned.

I admire youth work and extra-curricular activities. Even in the best communities, there are always three or four parents who must do the work of 30 or 40. Whatever activity, be it youth work, football or hurling, it will always come down to three or four good community-minded people. The rest of the parents will not become involved and are not concerned so long as their children are collected and left home safely. Many parents do not take their share of the responsibility for such activities. I am a great advocate of the Outreach programme. I was once a youth work officer and I believe it is important that young people are given the opportunity to express themselves out of school hours. All youth organisations, such as Foróige, play an outstanding role. Whatever funding is given to these organisations, it must be remembered how important their work is.

Some of the Minister's actions tend to counter her legislative aims. For example, some services in the home school community liaison scheme have been reduced.

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