Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

The money could be better spent. Will the Minister consider behavioural training for special needs assistants to help the children in their care reach their full potential?

I have strong views on funding of Protestant schools. There is an excellent school in Mullingar, namely, Wilson's Hospital School. Very negative aspersions were cast on these schools on "Today with Pat Kenny" such as that they have swimming pools and all sorts of facilities. I resent this. I am aware that the young people who attend Wilson's Hospital School are pressed to the pin of their collar to make ends meet just like in every other school. I inquired whether the school had a swimming pool and was told that it does but it is to meet its fire regulation commitments so it can have enough water on site to be able to put out a fire if necessary. That is an absolute taboo.

Consider the fact that Irish children are being disadvantaged because of the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. I am very concerned about our children and our teachers. A significant number of teachers will qualify this year without jobs, yet there are 430 unqualified teachers in classrooms. Will the Minister state why that is the case? The buck stops with him. He is in control, he pays the money and he can change the circumstances that obtain.

I commend the Minister on the summer works scheme and thank him for reintroducing it. It is very worthwhile.

My son attended the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork, which is a fine example of how public private partnerships can work. I thank the Minister warmly for allowing Athlone Community College to enter a public private partnership and I ask him to use this facility in respect of many more schools.