Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

An excellent new gaelscoil was opened by the Minister in Tipperary town three years ago.

Listening to the contribution of the Fine Gael spokesperson on education, I cannot agree with two of his suggestions. It is not good or viable fiscal practice to have special VAT regimes for particular sectors such as schools. Nor do I agree with the establishment of outside commissions, often at considerable expense, to determine what we ought to be doing on the level of capitation grants. This can only be done by the Government in the overall budget context.

I look forward to a rise in the volume of education expenditure, not just to cope with demographic pressures but to improve the quality of provision——

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