Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his response. I urge him to ensure the review digs deep in the next four weeks and ask him to examine the return of these teachers to these particular schools. I agree there is no monopoly of disadvantage. However, I worked for many years in a disadvantaged school and know there are different levels of disadvantage. For instance, there is crisis disadvantage in many seriously disadvantaged schools and this is different from a school where there are low-income families or those just above the poverty line.

I urge the Minister to use the review to examine the most needy schools and the most needy pupils. He says the consequences are not intended but I warn him if he removes teachers from these poor schools, there will be serious consequences and it will cost him more in the future and it will also cost the State more in the future. It might be a figure of 0.3% but as far as I am concerned and as far as many people in this House and members of the Technical Group are concerned, damaging schools - poor schools - and discriminating against children living in poverty should never be an option for trying to solve the economic crisis in the country.

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