Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I do not propose to add to the excellent contributions of the Senators who have a deep understanding of the sector.

To respond to Senator Barrett's comments on small schools, the Department has been challenged to find €350 million in savings between now and 2015. Part of the process will involve the savings that accrue from the amalgamation of the awarding bodies. A significant process of amalgamation is under way which has resulted in a budgetary reduction from €13.5 million to €7 million in the past four years, with 25% fewer staff. I expect the formation of the QQAI will lead to further savings in the sector, which will help us to reach the €350 million target in the next three years.