Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this motion, particularly because the Opposition mentioned a school in my constituency, Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Laytown. Since I became an elected representative I have visited this school more than any other in my constituency. I know the school as well as anyone.

The fact remains that massive numbers of extra teachers will come into the system this year. Schools in my constituency are gaining teachers, and rightly so, due to increased enrolment of students. I am sure Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa in Laytown will gain extra teachers given the increase in pupils attending the school this year. In addition, a full complement of teachers will be appointed to the new primary school in Laytown. It is quite likely there will be approximately 20 or 25 new teachers at post-primary and primary level in my constituency this September. This is a fact that has been ignored by the Opposition. Massive progress has been made. More than 2,000 teachers are being provided in primary schools in the school years 2007-08 and 2008-09. One would honestly think the system was collapsing and that schools are losing teachers and not able to put classes together.

I recognise teachers and parents are in the Gallery. They do a fantastic job, particularly in Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Laytown. The facts regarding this school are that it is losing a teacher and it would prefer not to lose a teacher. I would also prefer if it did not lose the teacher. However, it will have a net decrease of 30 or 40 pupils enrolling this year because of the new school in Laytown. Although it would be preferable to keep the teacher, the person in question is retiring and it is not a case of someone being let go.

The Labour Party spoke about the Green Party being absent from the debate and I am glad Deputy Mary White is here. The Labour Party completely absented itself from the Laytown schools crisis. The only Opposition Deputy with any role in it was Deputy Shane McEntee of Fine Gael. He played an important role and I acknowledge it.

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