Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Ulick Burke's request for the Minister for Education and Science to come into the House to enlighten us about the two issues which seem to have caused confusion among the public. The first relates to St. Mary's school for visually impaired girls. We all agree that if such a facility was not available even for six pupils, as is the case currently, it would be unsatisfactory. However, my understanding from the Department and the media is that consultations are taking place between the Department and the authorities involved to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place. The order has confirmed publicly that the facilities and services will not be withdrawn pending the establishment of such facilities.

As regards concessionary posts for curricular needs, does the Leader agree that the Minister has not broken any promises? The number of second level teachers has increased substantially from a low figure in 1997 to 25,500. The pupil-teacher ratio, for example, has decreased from 16 to 14 and is projected to be approximately 13.6 this year. This is happening at a time when pupil numbers at second level schools, particularly over the past seven years, have fallen dramatically.