Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

They could be put to use. People are available to provide tutoring and education. This is an investment in recovery. To avoid the glut we will have in September, with people not being able to get places, more places should be provided.

It is a matter of planning and doing the right thing. It is not a case of letting it all roll on until next September and seeing how many fail to make the grade. We now know there are far more applicants than places and I am simply suggesting that we have an opportunity between now and September to increase the number of places and ensure those who want to benefit from an education can do so. That would be a good use of public moneys and an investment in our future in terms of helping our economic and social recovery.

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