Denis Landy (Labour)

I commend the Minister of State on his approach to the subject tonight. He has made a reasonable contribution, in the context of where we are. I welcome the decision to provide for an appeals process. This is an unprecedented year. I mentioned my involvement in Newtown Upper national school in Faugheen near Carrick-on-Suir. The school had the required numbers on 13 September last year but will, as a result of the change, be one pupil short of the threshold. The appeals system requires more resources, in other words, more posts will have to be held until the appeals system has processed such cases. I appeal to the Minister of State to raise this matter in his discussions with the Minister for Education and Skills.

Many schools have a full post for resource and learning support. I ask that the Minister combine resource teaching and learning support in one post. Eliminating travel and subsistence for teachers who are required to travel between schools would secure savings for the State. The two steps I have proposed will help address the difficult position we are in. I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House.