Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to comment briefly on the valid point made by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames. When she discussed the matter with me I pointed out that according to the regulations, the staff ratio for preschool children aged three to six years is 1:8. The issue is a valid one to raise, and I asked the Leader earlier to take it up with the Minister for Education and Skills, particularly on safety grounds, and I am sure he will comment on that, but the Senator should not get excited that it will be dealt with today because, as far as I know, the Minister is not in the House. However, the point made is a valid one, and I know people in that situation.

I raise the issue of Rural Resettlement Ireland, an organisation set up by Jim Connolly 20 years ago. I have been a supporter of Jim Connolly for the past 20 years but yesterday, Claire McCormack wrote a very good article on the organisation.