David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

In his response, the Minister stated the Department would hold in reserve a number of teaching posts to reduce the impact of changes on schools most acutely affected. While I welcome and support this measure, the Minister should replace the word "reserve" with the word "replace", which is what is necessary. As for the statement he made that consideration must be given to the effect of increases and decreases in enrolment on schools' staffing entitlement annually, I will cite the example of St. Saviour's school, which potentially will experience a fall in teacher numbers from 24 to 20. In 2010, the aforementioned school had 310 pupils, while in 2012, it will have 318 pupils. In other words, it will have more pupils but four fewer teachers. Moreover, the school had 27 teachers in 2010. Obviously, to go from 27 to 20 teachers will have an impact on that school. This is an example of one school in Waterford but, unfortunately, many schools in this State will suffer a similar fate. I echo the hope expressed by the previous Senator that the decision will be reversed and not simply reviewed by the Minister.