Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important private Members' motion and I commend Sinn Féin for tabling it. The cuts in education epitomise the budget brought forward by the Government. Initially, people were delighted to hear the pupil-teacher ratio was not being increased across the board and it was only as the impact of the budget sank in that people realised the impact the cuts would have.

In his contribution, the Minister stated that we have an honourable record in democratic politics, particularly in the area of education. The loss of 486 posts in DEIS schools, the loss of 700 guidance counsellors whereby schools will have to decide between subjects and guidance, the increase in enrolment numbers required to retain teachers in small schools throughout the country which will force the amalgamation and closure of schools because the Minister did not complete his review because of opposition to it last year, and the removal of the modern languages in primary schools initiative show the mean-spiritedness and lack of honour in the cuts implemented in the budget.

The cuts show a lack of concern for the education of our young people and the impact they will have and the contribution they will make in the future. They make a mockery of the Government's claim that an educated workforce will make a difference to our recovery from the recession we are in at present. They show a lack of concern for pupils, parents, teachers and communities throughout the country which will suffer under these cuts. The devastation in communities when small schools will close will be untold and will shake the confidence of these communities.

The role of the Government should be to enhance and build education and grow young people so they can contribute to society. I do not see how any of these cuts will contribute to this. It is a sad reflection and shows a lack of honour with regard to the contribution education can make to society. I urge the Minister to ensure the DEIS schools are protected and to look after guidance counselling. It is only then that we can grow the economy out of this continuing austerity. Continuing to make cuts will not protect our children and will not grow the economy.

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