Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

We do not want teachers teaching in cloakrooms or toilets. Not only do we want adequate numbers of teachers, we want decent buildings, materials and support services, which are the norm in developed countries. Third, we have asked for fulfilment of the settled objective that classes be no bigger than the European norm. Once this is achieved, it should not be resiled from again so we can continue this investment into the future. Fourth, we want a reduction in maximum class size to 25:1 in mainstream classes and 15:1 in schools that suffer chronic disadvantage. Fifth, we ask for additional special needs teachers to implement the terms of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. Finally, we ask for greater engagement between the Department of Education and Science, the planning authorities and local communities to deliver schools in a timely and appropriate way. My colleague, Deputy O'Shea, pointed out the need for proper planning so that we can envisage the need and deliver on time.

This matter should not divide the House. The will of the people has been expressed by the tens of thousands of people who have turned out at meetings throughout the country. I attended the meeting in Wexford where there was a packed hall of parents and teachers demanding action. They will no longer tolerate lists and statistics. They want their children, in the short period available to them to receive an education, provided with the best education in the world. They know the real situation in schools and cannot nor will not be fooled with statistics. They will not be fobbed off.

This motion should not divide the House. Everybody who has spoken on the motion has paid lip service, at least, to the objectives in every clause of the motion. Let us now determine this will be done. Let the Government side of the House show some contrition and finally and belatedly keep its word to the people.

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