Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Minister for being present and for her reply. I agree with Deputy Creighton that the Minister's officials are very selective in what they choose to present her with. If it was discovered that children in any type of school, be it voluntary or fee paying, were doing additional subjects paid for out of their parent’s post-income tax income, it would be absurd if it was decided it would be better to change the ratio of teachers to pupils in the schools where those children happened to do music, dancing or sports outside of the school. Deputy Creighton is correct that one should provide a universally fair system of support on the teaching support salaries. The point is that anything extra that parents decide through the management of the school or through their own support of the school management is additional and should not be penalised.

It was said the savings would amount to €25 million. What about all the caretaking staff, catering staff and cleaning staff that would have to be let go? Millions of euro are involved in that respect. The sum of €25 million is most selective. I blink and pinch myself because I do not believe it. Officials should not do that. It is more than misleading; it is totally disingenuous.

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