Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I was not talking about the pupils, teachers or parents but about people in political life who know very well the political realities whereby a deal agreed by the former Government with the troika is one to which we must adhere, at least until the end of this year, with regard to how much we cut from public expenditure. Unfortunately, we have to do that whether we like it or not. There is a growing number of children coming into the education system and we must also cater for them.

The other reality is that we spend €1 billion more per month than we take in. I accept that both the Deputy's party and mine would like to take more in taxes from people who are better off, as was also expressed by Deputy Conway last night. However, the reality is that €1 billion per month must be bridged. With a growing school population, reducing class sizes cannot be done, at least at this time. We all want to do it eventually when the country is in a better place, when we create more jobs and are back in control of our own destiny in respect of the economy. Unfortunately, that is the real world in which we live and that is the reason for that statement.