Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Can I take it from what the Taoiseach has said that the solemn commitment in the programme for Government is no longer valid? If the Taoiseach says that at the Cabinet table there will be a stress on the priorities that were to be made here in the context of the programme for Government, there were two clear facts in that respect. One was that there was to be no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. It appears that commitment is now being abandoned, if I am to go by the Taoiseach's comment. Second, 500 teaching were to be provided, 200 immediately and a further 150 for each of the years of the lifetime of the Government. This means that the Green Party has now capitulated on breaking what was a solemn Government commitment. It means that in the light of current circumstances, to which the people of the country have been led by Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, the programme for Government is no longer valid in the context of the discussions now taking place in preparation for next year, or am I to assume that is incorrect and that the Taoiseach can tell me that whatever else happens, these two commitments are to be honoured?

I hear Members opposite talk about education being an investment in the future, which is true. I also hear them talk about how we will do this fairly for everybody and that all Departments are being looked at. A solemn commitment was given that there would be no increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary or second level schools and that 500 teaching positions would be provided, 200 immediately and 150 for each of the following years. If that is a front line service, will we see it protected?

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