Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will hold the Minister to that commitment. Two weeks ago, the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection heard from a number of patron bodies about the cost of education to parents. The cost of education to many parents and the pressure put on schools to meet budgets is having an effect. Anything that can reduce the cost of running schools, with the savings passed on to parents, is to be welcomed.

Deputy McConalogue and I were recently appointed as our parties’ spokespersons on education so we were not involved in the initial discussions by the joint committee when the heads of the Bill were published. I have, however, read the submissions made in the lead-up to today’s debate. They give a great insight, not only into what the Minister is trying to achieve but also into what the stakeholders themselves see as the potential pitfalls and strengths of the legislation. I also acknowledge the work done by the Oireachtas library and research unit.

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