Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not design the current system. That is what I am saying. I agree with Deputy O'Brien that we must have a look at this. The Cassells report will be part of that. It will give us something to focus on regarding the figures.

I stress it must be a grown-up conversation. The parents of this country expect that and need to be told the truth, and we need to have a clear conversation on how this can happen. All of us here want people to get the education they desire and it is a matter of how that can happen.

As for any cuts in education, as Deputy McConalogue will be aware, when one is faced with a situation where the country has €30 billion less in taxes, and I will not say how it happened, one is left with €30 billion less in one's budgets and there will be changes in all Departments. I wish it did not happen.

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