Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to speak to the motion and discuss the track record of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government, of which the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, was part for most of his political career, in providing education, in particular, as Senator Mooney noted, the capital education programme.

On the one hand, my party has been criticised for tabling this motion while, on the other, every speaker on the Government side has made a special plea for local schools. Senator Landy, for example, referred to an appeals system. Based on the details he provided, such a system would not benefit his local school. He would be better telling that to people in his locality. The same applies in Raphoe. Unless enrolments in the Senators' local schools increase significantly next year, the appeals system will not lead anywhere.

It is shameful that Senator Harte, who was delighted to have his photograph taken for TheSunday Times, refuses to support one of the most non-political Private Members' motions to come before the House. The text does not make any criticism of the Government but merely states the facts. The Senators opposite have all stated the facts in the media but do not have the courage of their convictions in the House. The message sent to rural schools on "Six-one" on the day of the budget was that they must consider amalgamation. Pupils, teachers and parents watching the programme at home wondered what the Government meant at the time. Now that the proverbial has hit the fan, Government Members tell Opposition Senators that we must not say the Government is closing schools.