Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

What are the Government's plans to address the shortage of qualified maths teachers in second level schools? Does the Government plan to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and second level schools to save €75 million and at the expense of 1,200 jobs? In this day and age, is it acceptable for children with a disability to be locked out of school on their first day back because there are no places, resource teachers or SNAs? Some of them have been offered a lousy one hour per week service. Does the Taoiseach accept this as part of modern Ireland? Would members of the Government accept the same reduction in services for any of their children? The parents' tears on the first day of school were a scandal and a disgrace. It is shameful that families are suffering and their children are being locked out of schools. What will the Taoiseach do about these serious national issues? Will he stand up for education and protect our schools and pupils?

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