Brendan Ryan (Labour)

These are difficult economic times in which we must prioritise spending and make hard decisions, where appropriate, to get the public finances in order and kick-start the economy. However, education spending must be ring-fenced. We must hold our nerve and understand it will be our well-educated young population who will lift us out of recession when the economic cycle begins to rise again, as it inevitably will.

The changes announced in the budget on class sizes were a mistake; they must not be increased. They are already the second highest in the EU. If we are prepared to invest billions of euro to bail out the banks, we must be able to invest a fraction of such amounts to maintain class-size position. Any increase in class sizes will diminish the learning experience of children for years. While I accept these are more difficult economic times, neither should children with disabilities and learning challenges be targeted in this abominable way.

The staffing schedules just published for primary schools will give effect to the cuts announced in the budget, putting hundreds of teachers out of work. This year many newly-trained teachers will not be able to get jobs. With the cost per unemployed person at €20,000 per person in social welfare contributions and lost tax income to the State, these education cuts create a false economy which is, at the same time, hurting the most vulnerable in society.

This week the Irish Independent highlighted another false economy in the education sector — the extent to which prefabs are being used in schools. In a debate in the House on 10 October 2007, I raised a specific instance of a school in Balbriggan. I stated:

50% of the school's pupils are taught in 12 prefabricated buildings despite there being adequate land in the parish's ownership around the school to extend the school properly. ... Prefabs cost approximately €1,000 per month to rent and present a constant worry to principals due to the possible outbreak of fire. It is a false economy and is not good enough for our children, as prefabs do not pass for proper school buildings.

Over a year later, more information on the costs of prefabs for schools has come to light. Up to €85 million was spent on prefabs and other temporary accommodation during 2008; the figure will grow further in 2009. Of that figure, €53 million was spent on rent. In the past eight years, €200 million was spent in the same way.

Commenting on this substandard education environment, John Carr, general secretary of the INTO, stated they are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, as has been confirmed to me by many school principals in north Dublin. There is the added worry for principals, staff and parents of these structures being possible fire hazards.

This week the Labour Party's spokesperson for education, Deputy Quinn, pointed out the cost of servicing a mortgage on a permanent building would be less than the cost of rent and maintenance of a prefab. This ongoing waste, with dead money going to pay rents and lack of ownership of assets, is unsustainable. This example of a false economy would be quickly identified in private business and micro-managed out of the system. The Department of Education and Science has been sitting on this accumulated waste for years and is now jeopardising our children's future with cuts in front line services. It is just not acceptable.

A spokesman for the Minister for Education and Science said the Government did not plan on curtailing spending. He stated, "it will continue to be necessary for prefabricated accommodation to be provided because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in such a short timeframe". However, the Balbriggan example I have given is not due to a short timeframe problem but to a long-term lack of focus in the Department on matters of such significant cost.

Addressing this problem can form part of a recovery strategy for the economy, as has been advocated by my party for some time. Up to 400 new schools are required, as are permanent replacements for prefabs. A high number of construction workers are unemployed, twiddling their thumbs every day, which costs the State €20,000 euro per annum in social welfare contributions and lost tax. Many of them can be put to useful work in building new schools which is investing in the future and helping lift the economy out of recession.

From all the soundings coming from the Government, plans seem afoot to re-introduce third level fees in some form. Labour is opposed to any such move for very good reasons. Education is the single most important investment any community can make in its future. Third level education transforms society, increasing the potential of every citizen to grow, develop and contribute. It enhances competitiveness and strengthens the economy. In most European countries, free or modest fees are the norm, because education at every level is considered an intrinsic part of the social citizenship model, deeply embedded in European society.

Free third level education has already increased third level participation by 40% since its introduction. We need to do more, not less. Charging for education hinders access. Loan schemes do not work and are neither just nor practical. Ireland lags behind most OECD countries in what it invests in education.

The argument for fees is largely presented as a pragmatic resource priority issue. However, as in many cases of issues presented this way, it is about fundamental values. The current debate about the possible re-introduction of university fees has nothing to do with investment or improving access to third level education. Neither is it about providing better education at first and second level. It is simply a revenue raising device. Education is an investment in our society and economy that pays off massively. It must form the basis of Ireland's plan out of recession.

I welcome the planned creation of 51,000 training education places for the newly unemployed as announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday. This is a small start but falls well short of meeting targets set out in the national skills strategy, debated in the House earlier in the year. This must be increased to a significant degree if we are to achieve the upskilling that will be so desperately required to create the kind of labour force necessary to lift us out of our current crisis. Concerns have been expressed since the announcement by the VEC sector last week that these places will be allocated solely to FÁS. I would welcome it if the Minister could provide some explanation with regard to the rationale being used in this regard.