Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I urge him to prioritise education so it is given stronger support. I understand the state of the economy but I ask him to re-examine the €108 million given to wealthy schools. A cut of 50% or €54 million would have a major impact on disadvantaged schools.

People regularly ask the Technical Group to put forward proposals. I have made a sensible proposal. I again ask the Taoiseach to examine the use of money, such as the €17 million overtime bill for unheard court cases. This is an example of the waste of public money.

I ask the Taoiseach to speak out about the cuts in educational services. It is not an option. I have put forward sensible options. We cannot run literacy campaigns and, at the same time, cut the very services that will help children to read and write.

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