Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Teachers from around the country have been in contact with me. From China, the Minister is seeking a partnership with the teachers' unions. Everybody recognises the economic disaster this Government has brought down on the country, of which pay freezes are an element. A pay freeze on those earning above €50,000 within the teaching sector would save in the region of €128 million, thereby allowing the continuation of the current pupil-teacher ratio, the appointment of language support teachers and resource teachers, cover for sick leave and the visits to Dáil Éireann and the sporting activities which are so important to the lives of children all over the country. Has the Government sought a partnership with teachers' unions in this matter?

This morning, the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, said from Shanghai——

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