Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

That is a disappointing response. I asked the question because there is a lot of information out there which may well be misinformation or kite flying, but there are considerable concerns about the plan of action for our education system. If the Minister reduces teacher numbers at second level, there could be a reduction in subject choices. We talk about having a knowledge economy. For example, physics and music are key subjects because one draws out different abilities.

In regard to primary school class sizes, classes are very different from what they were even 15 years ago. There is a much more mixed arrangement in that children with special needs are, by and large, in mainstream classes. There are lots of children without languages skills. The difficulty is that when people see education reform, they see it as code for cuts rather than reform of the system to deliver measurable outcomes in terms of the money we put in.

In the absence of information, it is very difficult to ask a supplementary question. I imagine we will get some of that information tomorrow when we see the programme to be outlined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in regard to public service reform.

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