Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The thing about fiscal restraint is that one can cut off one's nose to spite one's face. There is no more important example of that than in the area of education, particularly primary education. Providing the necessary resources for primary school children, particularly those who are vulnerable is vital for them and for the long-term economic future of the country. If one cuts off one's nose now, one will spite one's face in the future. We have the second-largest class sizes in Europe and have had substantial cuts in this area. I have not heard from the Minister of State an assurance that there will not be further cuts that will affect the primary school sector and special needs in the future budget. If the Minister of State could even provide commitments on that level, it would assure teachers and parents who are anxious about the detrimental impact of these sorts of cuts.

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