Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy seems to forget that all commitments in the plan were predicated on the basis of the economic well-being and resources that were available. There is a commitment to have 4,000 teachers and it is my intention that we will honour that. There is a commitment to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio. The former Minister indicated as part of the budget for 2008 that this was being set aside for 2008. Obviously we will review this issue in light of the funding available in the Department.

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