Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas as an deis seo a labhairt ar an díospóireacht seo anocht. I will be brief and, with some leeway from the Cathaoirleach, will contribute again when the Minister concludes.

It was suggested to me locally, including at a meeting at which Government Deputies were present, that as a matter of policy the Minister for Education and Skills did not visit schools and that as such, there was no point in even inviting him to the school in which the meeting was being held. Subsequently, I heard second hand that the same issue had arisen for another school. Is there such a policy and, if so, what is the rationale for it and will it be continued? After I have heard the Minister's remarks, I might respond.