Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome this debate. I also welcome the commitment given by the Minister to the effect that he will reconsider the proposed changes.

Gone are the days when there were in excess of 50 students in each class and we all welcome that development. Most children love to attend school because they find themselves in a happy environment in which there is a greater focus not just on education but also on extracurricular activities. Children have a greater opportunity to remain in school longer because they are facilitated not only by their teachers but also by everyone working in their schools. In addition, they are looked on more favourably in the context of the abilities.

It is important that no child should ever leave school without being in possession of proper reading or writing schools. I live and work in a RAPID programme area in which many DEIS schools are located and I pay tribute to the teachers who are committed to these schools. A large number of these teachers have worked in the same school for up to 35 years. They are in it for the long haul, therefore, and it is clear they believe in the children they teach and in the communities in which they work. Ultimately, their only interest is the welfare of their pupils.

There is a major challenge we must face up to. I hope the Minister will take on board some of what I have to say in this regard. How can we support schools in areas in which children have greater social and educational needs without applying labels? We must be mindful not to stigmatise children and communities by attaching to them the label of being disadvantaged. Many outsiders tend to take a particular view of communities to which labels are applied. However, the parents, children and others who live in these communities take a very different view. That aspect must be taken into account in the context of whatever decision is taken. I was surprised to discover that fewer than 50% of children who live in DEIS programme areas attend their local schools. This shows that there is something wrong and that action is required. All my children went to school in my parish in a DEIS school and I have the greatest of praise for the schools in my area and for the education that was given to my children. However, something is wrong when children choose to go outside their parish and when parents choose to send their children outside their areas.

I listened to some of the Opposition views expressed yesterday. We could all add our voice to them. Many Deputies live and work in areas with social needs. I call on the Opposition, especially Sinn Féin, not to bring this debate to a vote this evening. The Opposition should consider the circumstances of bringing this to a vote. It is time we realised that we can go forward on this matter given the opportunity that the Minister has said he will give and given his commitment to review the whole plan for DEIS schools. We should give his Department the opportunity to review the proposed changes. I call on those in Sinn Féin and the other Opposition Deputies to consider not voting on this matter this evening and to put it aside and then, perhaps in four or six weeks time when the Minister comes back, if they wish to do so then they should go ahead with their vote. Deputies on all sides of the House have spoken of the great commitment and the work that is done in schools especially in DEIS areas and I call on the Opposition to consider this.

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