Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important topic. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, was correct to point out in his speech last night the increasing demands facing the school system, most particularly the additional 70,000 pupils who will enroll in Irish schools in the next six years. Obviously, as the Minister will acknowledge, it also is a time in which education is of critical importance in the rebuilding and reformation of the country. As one increasingly looks to attracting highly skilled jobs to Ireland, it is vitally important that young people are given the educational support they need to fulfil their potential, whatever that might be. The Minister is correct to prioritise a reform agenda and many elements thereof, particularly pertaining to the junior certificate reform, are exciting and everyone looks forward to developing them. However, in seeking to raise the standards of the education system and to accommodate the growing number of pupils, Members also must seek to protect the parts that already are delivering. It is in this context that I welcome the review announced by the Minister and for Deputy Ross to call it a humiliation is to miss the point entirely. This is not the Vatican and no political leader in the Government or this House is infallible. The decision announced by the Minister to conduct a review and to engage with schools to consider matters on a case-by-case basis is courageous and sensible and ensures the resources are targeted. There is no point in having a blanket scheme until one can ascertains that it will deliver. Equally, the Government must learn lessons in this regard and recognise that blanket cuts across the board also do not work for the same reason.

In addition, I acknowledge the recognition given by the Government to the wider issues affecting children enrolled in DEIS schools and its intention to address these in a targeted and co-ordinated manner. I commend the decision to preserve the €30 million in enhanced funding for DEIS schools, the €2 million school books scheme and the €26 million investment in the home-school-community liaison service. Moreover, the €27 million that will be provided next year for the school completion programme from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs highlights the cross-departmental approach, which is important if Members are serious about tackling educational disadvantage.

The resources invested in DEIS schools are vital in securing the opportunities of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I have seen at first hand in St. Philomena's school, Bray, which is in my constituency, how a DEIS school is delivering for children with educational disadvantage. The Minister should take the opportunity to ensure the review for this year and the coming year will mean those schools that need the resources, and more importantly, those children who need the resources, will receive them. I ask that the Minister take a similar approach to all areas of reform within the school system, including the likes of rural schools and small minority-faith schools.

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