James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I stress my belief that removing any part of initiatives such as the DEIS programme, which promotes educational equality, represents a false economy. Children are the future. It is our responsibility to preserve their right to achieve that future for both their personal development and the national good. As a concerned public representative and as a member of one of the parties in government, I am calling for a new examination of the proposed cutbacks. It is essential that Members of this House, as spokespersons for the most vulnerable in society, should make their voices heard, even if our doing so is perceived as going against the party line.

I welcome the Minister's statement to the effect that he intends to review the impact of the relevant budgetary measures on individual schools on a case-by-case basis. However, this must result in positive and well-considered child-centred outcomes. While there is no disputing the fact that budgetary cutbacks are necessary, it is essential to take a long, hard look at the profiles of the schools which will be affected and also at the repercussions for the pupils who attend them. Small rural schools will be placed at a particular disadvantage in the context of the increased number of pupils required to maintain staff numbers. While this will be sufficiently problematic for many national schools, it will be extremely difficult for those in the DEIS programme. In light of the devastating effects of the economic downturn and of Government cutbacks in respect of rural communities, the provision of equity in education is an essential ingredient for long-term recovery. What makes the cutbacks relating to the DEIS programme especially harsh is the fact that the goalposts for DEIS schools which had met the criteria outlined by the Department of Education and Skills on 1 September last were moved on 31 October. While the figures provided by the Department may put a gloss on the position regarding the maintenance of pupil-teacher ratios, the reality is very different. The hard facts are that some rural schools may be forced to close. The disadvantaged pupils for whom these schools cater will be the ones to suffer most.

The removal of what are termed "legacy posts" from schools which require every assistance possible is both morally wrong and lacking in foresight. What may be considered a quick-fix saving now will become a massive liability in the future. How can we reconcile the fact that many mainstream schools will remain unaffected while disadvantaged schools will face drastic changes and major losses in the future? Regardless of how one considers this matter, it is obvious that DEIS band one and band two schools are set to lose teachers and children are going to lose their right to equality of education provision. That runs contrary to international best practice. I am extremely concerned with regard to the position in my constituency, Longford-Westmeath, in this regard and I have met a number of principals in order to discuss the adverse impact of the most recent cutbacks on the schools there. I will be meeting more of them in the coming days.

I welcome the fact that the Minister has been present for the entire debate on this very important matter. He is taking a proactive approach to his portfolio and I welcome the fact that he intends to consider the position of individual schools on a case-by-case basis. That is what school principals and the chairpersons of boards of management desire.

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