Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach has a better grasp of this than probably any other public representative or any Deputy in this House today, as teaching was his profession. He is well aware of the situation facing rural schools. The Government has not been looking at many options to address the matter. It is not too late at this stage. It may be the 12th hour before the September term starts.

The Government is giving a fiscal reason, but we have to get away from the policies of austerity and recession at this stage.

See this speech in context