Brendan Ryan (Labour)

It is the first crucial rung on the ladder that allows us to reach further and higher. As such, we should look closely at how well primary schools allow children to climb that ladder. It is difficult, therefore, to understand the reluctance of the Government to make the necessary leap in investment to free our schools from worries about money and allow them to be visionary about the future, which is their role. The Minister may refer in his response to the downturn in our economic circumstances. This Government is reaping what it has sown in the economy, and there is less money available than in the recent past, something which is widely acknowledged. However, according to Minister, last year the Department of Education and Science spent approximately 5% of total investment in school buildings on the rental of prefabs. Taking first and second level together, we estimate this to be approximately €30 million. This is an annual cost and would go a considerable way towards meeting the modest cost of increasing the capitation grant.

It may be necessary to make trade-offs, and that must be acknowledged, if we are to make the kind of investment that will bring education to the level enjoyed in other EU countries. Those countries famous for their progressive approach to education, especially early childhood and primary education, did not produce their education system by chance. They made a choice, decided what mattered to them and set about delivering it. It is not sufficient that we depend on the goodwill of our school leaders, teachers and parents to compensate with tireless energy and commitment for what we deny them in funds and working conditions. Investing in our children is long-term planning which will in time help tackle anti-social behaviour, promote Ireland as a knowledge economy, tackle obesity and improve our nation's health.