Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

How can the Minister claim the change in pupil-teacher ratios will benefit some schools? It beggars belief. I asked him when was the last time he visited one of these schools. Deputy Kelleher pointed out how currently 7% of school leavers in the north side of Cork city go on to third level education. Before these schemes were introduced 20 years ago, that figure was only 1%. We will be heading back to that 1% if these cuts go ahead. These cuts cannot proceed. This is not about money but about people's opportunity to further their education, better themselves and get a real job. These schemes are vital to that. If these are withdrawn, it is those children who could benefit who will be worse off.

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