Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate and compliment our colleagues in the Labour Party on giving us that opportunity. I am pleased to see so many prominent members of the Labour Party, including future leaders, in the Chamber to hear my contribution. I appreciate their support.

In her fine contribution last night the Minister said she was glad to take the opportunity to outline to the House her commitment and that of the Government to improving day to day funding arrangements for primary schools. That is the core issue before us.

We all have issues we want to raise. My colleague, Deputy Curran, made several references to Clondalkin. Therefore, I will not be apologetic about mentioning Tallaght, Firhouse, Greenhills——

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