Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I thank the Minister for the reply on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, who I accept is not present for bona fide reasons. This is a typical situation in which the mandarins in the Department have designed different schemes, including the DEIS scheme, with different rules, guidelines and processes. However, this is a human problem that must be dealt with humanely because, by any yardstick, one cannot possibly accept the loss of one third of the teaching posts in a school. This is a clear example of how the best of man-made schemes can go wrong. I appeal to the Minister to meet a deputation comprising the school management, Senator Landy and the Deputies present. Moreover, I note that, in addition to the loss of the teaching posts, the school has also lost SNA posts. This is unacceptable and untenable. I accept the reply gives a glimmer of hope, in that there is an appeal system in place and that the case will be re-examined. However, the loss of eight teachers is too great and the school will be unable to continue as a result. The town of Carrick-on-Suir cannot and will not accept this. Consequently, I seek a meeting between a deputation and the Minister to examine the nuances in this regard as the school cannot be pigeonholed.

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