Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

We should bear in mind that one third of public sector employees in the State work in the education sector. It is, therefore, not possible to exempt staffing in education completely from the Government's need to reduce expenditure. This is particularly the case at a time when the school-going population is increasing. There will be more difficult decisions in the next budget and the one thereafter. The very favourable staffing provision for small schools was put in place when resources were plentiful, at a time of demographic dividend when enrolments were falling.

The Government rejects the claims that are being made about closing small schools. The Opposition had been predicting wholesale closures of schools in the debate in February. Five schools have indicated their intention to close over the coming school year. Last year, there were three closures, and the year before there were four. All that is changing for small close schools is that, from next September, their average class size will no longer be as advantageous as it once was. The schools will still exist.

I have listened to some alarmist claims about the threat of school staffing schedule changes affecting the very fabric of rural areas. When I hear Deputies from Dún Laoghaire and south Dublin, and the great burghers of Dún Laoghaire and the great middle classes, lecturing me and the Government on the plight of rural Ireland-----

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