Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

The Minister, Deputy O'Dea, said that this measure will result in just one more child being in each class. It is obvious that he does not know, just like the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe does not know, that it will lead to a dramatic change in many classes throughout the country. Principals will have to make do with the situation they face.

The Government has suggested that the vulnerable are not affected by this budget. That is a fallacy, as others have said. It is untrue. The slashing of library grants will affect such people, as will the loss of €2 million in Traveller capitation allowances. Who will stand up for some of the poorest children in our education system? It is clear that the Minister and his Department will not. The Minister has single-handedly assaulted the most disadvantaged young people in this country. Shame on him.

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