Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

The Senator may wish to be political about the matter but I am not a great man for fighting political corners because I like to be friendly with everybody. The Senators opposite have neck for Ireland. We are in tough times. What I liked about the Minister's contribution was that he focused on the new concept of lean and mean. He is showing that in his Department he will be lean and mean in terms of tenders and this is no harm. We must get the best value for money. Let us put advertising of positions online rather than in expensive publications as was the case heretofore. There can be significant savings in areas such as land acquisitions.

We all have our own views on the schools priority list. Senator O'Toole asked for flexibility and there must be some flexibility in these issues. As a north Kerry man I welcome the Minister's announcement of the new school for Ballybunion. In every debate on education in the House I have mentioned Drumclogh national school which has been waiting for a technical visit for two years. The principal of that school is a neighbour of mine and they are very frustrated at the delay. I would also like an update if possible from the Minister — not now but at a later stage — on the position regarding the review of education provision at second level for Kerry North. A lot of work has been done on this review and it has been welcomed by the general public, by school managements, by pupils and by teachers.

I have one small piece of advice for the Minister in his absence. There are many elements involved in education such as parents, management and the provision of school buildings. The only advice I would have the temerity to offer the Minister is that he should listen closely to teachers. They are the people at the coalface——