John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to make a contribution to this debate. I acknowledge the uncertainty and doubt among many parents and children in rural Ireland. In the past few days, I have been contacted by parents who think their schools will either close or lose teachers in the next few weeks. There has been some winding up of the issue but it is important that we peel away to find the reality and deal with it in a constructive manner.

I thank the parents and teachers who have engaged and put forward very reasoned and reasonable proposals on how this should be dealt with because that allowed those of us on this side of the House to bring those arguments to the Minister last week. The Minister dealt with the issue of the retirement of teachers of examination classes in secondary school and this can be done in this case also. What is important, however, is that flexibility is shown in dealing with this issue. I support anyone on any side of the House when he or she talks about retrospective numbers and how that is dealt with - in other words, the number of pupils last September should not determine the number of teachers next September. There should be a real appeals system and not one where nothing changes regardless of the situation. That is very important. I would also say that one size does not fit all. Amalgamations are not possible in many areas.

It is important to deal with the problem in a reasoned and calm fashion. To a certain extent, it is sometimes difficult to do that when dealing with a very emotive subject. Just as some parents thought schools would be closed next week, it is important for teachers, parents and pupils to realise this issue will not be won or lost tonight. There is a long game involved and it is important we get an acceptable solution which will leave rural schools at the heart of our communities for many years to come.

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