Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

We have had a very interesting discussion on this motion and amendment, both last night and this evening. The Deputies on the opposite side of the House have taken the opportunity to raise the plight of individual schools in their constituencies, which is what they must do as public representatives. However, I would like to put the debate in the context of the overall situation relating to education and funding by the Department.

As the Minister said yesterday, the priority the Government attaches to providing quality education is evident from the fact that the education budget has increased by more than 70% since 2002 to over €9.3 billion this year. I reject the comments made by Deputy McEntee. The former Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, presided over a number of these years, from 2002 until this year, and has a number of achievements to her credit.

See this speech in context