Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have set out what I believe is a significant ambition, namely to have the best education and training services by 2026. We are making steady progress towards that. The 6,000 additional teachers have allowed important priorities to be met. The restoration of guidance, on which Deputy Thomas Byrne is very keen, has been achieved, in addition to the implementation of junior cycle reform, which the Labour Party was very keen to seen delivered. Also to be considered are the reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio, the introduction of 3,000 special needs assistants and the revision of the way in which special needs teaching resources are allocated to make the system both better and fairer. We have 51 new apprenticeships being developed. For the first time ever, we have seen a move away from the 27 traditional ones. We have seen the commencement of reinvestment at third level. Therefore, there is a sense of ambition and progress within the education system. I am determined to support that. There will always be priorities. The Deputy will be familiar with the fact that choices always have to be made, but the choices being made, which are discussed here in the House, are the right ones. We must do better in the years ahead, however.

See this speech in context