Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

On another issue, if we analyse the number of prisoners, especially those in the younger age groups, and we know the difficulties they face, it is clear that dropping out of school is the origin of many of their problems. They are then out of the school equation and nothing can be done for them. It is unbelievable that not just in County Galway but throughout the country the Minister for Education and Science is withdrawing home-school-community liaison co-ordinators from schools. They are the very people who help retain children in the school system and bring them to the point where they can get a job. The official line from the Minister is clear. She said when those children reach a certain retention, they will be allowed to go their own way and we will move on to the next area. She is withdrawing the service and punishing those who have done well.