Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

Deputy Kehoe and I are sharing time on this matter as we have been contacted by many teachers and trainees or those soon to qualify. The highest concentration of teachers in the country are from County Kerry. I believe this extends to primary school teachers. We will hear a response from the Minister of State, but unfortunately we will not have the opportunity to respond. We are led to believe that the halt in assessments is due to the cuts in the education budget. The Minister for Education and Science has already inflicted devastating cuts on the teaching profession. From January onwards, some 2,000 teachers will lose their jobs. As with those who have contacted Deputy Kehoe, those who have contacted me wish to qualify as teachers. They seek the qualification to allow them to teach while travelling in another jurisdiction, country or continent.

These people entered the profession in good faith. They have a legitimate expectation that the Department would carry out its obligations. The students are willing to complete their studies in the normal manner, regardless of what follows. I appreciate the Minister will cut 2,000 teaching jobs in January. I am conscious time is limited and we could debate the matter throughout the night, but I imagine the former leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr. Eamon de Valera, would be turning in his grave were he aware of what is happening in the State at present. Mr. de Valera once said that "no longer will our children, like our cattle, be brought up for export". Unfortunately, the trainee teachers of the country, along with the 2,000 who will lose their jobs in January, have no option. Will the Minister for Education and Science put a process in place whereby those in training at present for a higher diploma in education be afforded the opportunity to qualify and receive the diploma?

See this speech in context