Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to raise once again the issue of education and its importance to the Irish people. It is also vital as a strategy for getting out of this economic mess and building a future of which we can all be proud. I wish to seek clarification on a few matters. Is it true the Taoiseach and his Government are planning to cut 2,200 teaching jobs over the next two years? Why is a cap being placed on student numbers going into third level education? Is that information accurate? Millions of euro are being spent on teacher training colleges, such as St. Patrick's in Drumcondra and Marino College. They are upskilling student teachers but for what - emigration? Where is the sense in this? There is no point in talking about radical reform of our education system while slashing frontline services. This is a total contradiction. Even if the Government does not care about education, where is the sense in spending millions of euro on training teachers only to have them qualify with no jobs at all? How does the Taoiseach square that from educational and economic perspectives and where is the value for money?

Two weeks ago in the Dáil, I raised the issue of services for young adults in St. Michael's House and the Taoiseach asked me to supply him with the details, figures and costs. I made my submission but have had no response thus far. I ask the Taoiseach for a response today on this very important issue.

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