Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

The Minister tells us that he wants to address the issue of posts pre the DEIS programme. He also told us last night that the retention of pre-DEIS programme posts was a concessionary measure. His language in the course of the debate in recent weeks has been extremely revealing in the sense that there are legacy issues at play. The Minister knows them well - the legacies of deprivation, drug abuse in many inner city communities and inequality - and that if we are worth our salt on either side of this House, we will address them without being in fear of the troika or anyone else.

The term "concessionary" is most illuminating. I say to the Minister and his colleagues: we seek no concessions for children. The Minister is offering them no concessions. The motion and our fight to protect DEIS programme posts are based on a simple recognition of the rights of child citizens who are bright, able and live in communities with challenges that leave them vulnerable. It may bore the Minister's colleague, Deputy Jim Daly, that the terms "vulnerable" and "disadvantaged" are used. He objected to them. I am sorry if it upsets or bores him, but that is the reality for many of the people I am proud to represent in this House.

The Minister has informed the House that 60% of disadvantaged children are not in DEIS schools. That is fine. He has also informed us that "there is no monopoly of disadvantage". He should not attempt to use such perverse logic to justify the cut of 482 DEIS programme posts. I find it appalling that he would even come to the Chamber and suggest when we are considering children's life opportunities and education that we try to consider or articulate a hierarchy in respect of there being a monopoly of disadvantage. No child thinks in that way.

The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, commended his Labour Party colleagues on the backbenches for educating him on the realities of the cutbacks proposed in DEIS schools. I do not know how one should take this, but it seems strange.

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