Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In the context of competing demands, an educated and skilled population, as much as low corporation tax, will be a key selling point for Ireland in attracting international investment. Education is the powerhouse that will enable us to continue to attract local and international investment and create well-paid jobs in the economy. The Minister's approach is disappointing, quite frankly because it is all about penny pinching. In the context of the huge amount that was achieved by the Minister's predecessors in the Department of Education and Skills during the last Government, his reply is anaemic, to say the least.

The Minister must be aware, having held office for a considerable period, that the lack of capitation funding at primary and secondary level is crippling schools and parents. At the same time, the Minister is suggesting that voluntary contributions should be made a thing of the past.

See this speech in context