Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is somewhat unreal to participate in this debate, particularly in light of recent comments in the media by people involved with the teachers' unions and by members of the public.

Everyone is aware that there will be a shortfall in tax revenues this year. Nevertheless, the Government has provided €9.6 billion in the Estimates for 2009. It may be a surprise for some to discover that this represents an increase of over €300 million, or 3.2%, and is ahead of inflation. We would like to have been able to double the increase. However, in light of current economic circumstances, €300 million is a realistic increase.

I became a Member of the House in 1997. At that stage, there were approximately 50,000 people working in our classrooms. There are now 80,000 people working directly in those classrooms.

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