Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about a matter that has been raised by Deputy Enright and others on a number of occasions, which was the subject of a "Prime Time" programme last week. I refer to the attitude of the Government towards accepting responsibility for what happened to a number of children in day primary schools throughout the country. The Taoiseach will be aware of Louise O'Keeffe, who lost her case — in respect of which a sum of €500,000 in costs is pending — in the High Court. The view is that this is a public interest case and that the State should not pursue Ms O'Keeffe for costs. Will the Taoiseach clarify the position in this regard?

The Government wrote a letter advising victims that the Department of Education and Science has no responsibility in this matter and that they should pursue boards of management. Under the Constitution, the State has a duty to provide for people's education. In addition, teachers are paid out of the public purse and the Department of Education and Science sets down the curriculum, pays capitation grants and provides buildings. Do the Taoiseach and the Government agree with the assertion by the Minister for Education and Science and her Department that they will not accept responsibility for what happens to children in primary schools throughout the country? Do the Taoiseach and the Government agree with the contents of the letter that was sent? If they do, they are abdicating responsibility completely. If they do not, are they prepared to have it withdrawn and have some other system devised under which justice would be done and responsibility accepted?

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