Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

It is withdrawn. Class size is important to my children, just as it is to children all over the country. It makes a difference to the primary curriculum at a time when we are trying to develop a new system in education. There are children with educational disadvantages and disabilities within our primary school system. It makes a difference to teachers as they try to ensure that the new primary curriculum is implemented.

One of the net effects of the Minister's savage cuts will be that minority subjects at post-primary level, such as science subjects, will suffer. Fewer children will be able to study such subjects as a result of the Minister's reduction in the staffing schedule at second level. So much for the Government's promise to try to improve this country's capacity in the areas of science and maths. I reject the idiotic comments of the Minister, Deputy Willie O'Dea——

See this speech in context