Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

They are not here because they will not face up to this issue. I will dispense with that part of my script because there is no use in talking to myself.

DEIS schools play a huge role in children's education. Another matter is the issue of guidance councillors. Apart from guidance such councillors give on careers, education and so on, they are the first port of call for many children with difficulties in their lives. That has also been dismantled, which is very short-sighted. Where is the equality in any of this? These cuts will copperfasten inequality. We will see emerging in this State two different types of Ireland peopled by the people of the bottom of the ladder who have not emigrated or are not on the dole, who will be cemented into their inequality while those at the top of the tier will have their positions reinforced. I do not believe Irish people want to see that happen. It is totally unacceptable.

This is not about money and it should not be reduced to money issues, in particular by a Government which will by March of this year have given €4.3 billion of taxpayers' money to criminal banks and unguaranteed bondholders. As a representative of County Louth and from all of my experience in west Belfast, I know the huge effect which small amounts of money can have on disadvantaged areas in terms of uplifting possibilities and opportunities, in particular, for young people. Let us not consign another generation of people to a life on the dole or to emigration. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. Even those who have Gaeilge bhriste know the sense and wisdom of that proverb. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí - nourish the young and they will come right. Do the opposite and we create problems for ourselves.

This is an indication of whether the State values and is committed to all citizens. This Government is clearly saying it is not committed to all citizens. The Minister, if he proceeds with these cuts, is clearly saying he does not believe in equality. What would James Connolly, whose bust is here, do? In modern republicanism the core values must be around access to education, the right to a job, a home, a clean environment and a good health service. What would be the view of the founder of the Labour Party on this issue were he here today debating this matter in this Chamber? Sin mo mhéid. Tá mé fíor cinnte má amharcann an tAire isteach ina chroí go leanfaidh sé an treo ceart, ach má leanann sé ar aghaidh leis an bpolasaí seo, leanfaidh sé an treo mícheart. Nil ciall ar bith le sin.

I appeal to the Minister to reverse this decision and to stand by the pupils, parents, grandparents, teachers and staff in DEIS schools.

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