Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very important. In her response to the question, the Minister touched on the issue of economic growth and development. As far as I am concerned, there is a strong link between class size and economic growth and development. This growth is also linked strongly to education. We have heard this morning, for example, that the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, expressed concerns, with respect to the positive economic growth figures next year, about overheating the economy. There is a debate - I am sure it takes place in Cabinet - as to whether we should have tax cuts or improved public services. I ask the Minister to ensure that as part of that debate, the focus should be put on public services. There is a solution to be found here in that we can assist primary school pupils in the State while preventing the economy from overheating. We should not just throw extra cash into the broader society. I welcome this morning's good growth figures but we have an opportunity to calm down. If we have any extra resources or moneys in the October budget, they should be spent on services.

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