Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The House will agree that the Minister has outlined a comprehensive overview of measures put in place both by this Government and the previous one. At this stage in the life of the 29th Dáil, we should be hearing some kind of visionary statement from the Opposition parties. However, having read through the Private Members' motion last week when it was first published and having re-examined it today, I consider it to be a missed opportunity on the part of both main Opposition parties, but particularly on the part of the Labour Party which tabled the motion. I wonder what the Opposition would do if its Members were in power. Which of the measures outlined by the Minister would they not adopt?

Together with the Minister, I take great pride in the fact that our children are being taught in good quality buildings and that priority is being given to children in disadvantaged areas and to those with special needs.

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