Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to hear Fianna Fáil's sudden interest in the size of classes. I join the party's representatives to raise the issue as well as to propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I remind the Fianna Fáil representatives in this House that the previous Government managed to protect class sizes in their entirety and bring them down in the last budget over which we had influence. There is a line in the confidence and supply agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that says they would reduce class sizes. It was not acted upon in the previous budget and there was no reduction in class sizes at primary level. Rather then make speeches in this House, I suggest that the leadership of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael implement the agreement they signed together. The initiative would cost around €6 million but it was not acted upon in the previous budget and they have no one to blame except themselves.

With the Cathaoirleach and Leader's permission, I request a change be made to the Order of Business. I formally request that No. 24, the Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill - First Stage, which the Labour Party launched today, be taken before No. 1.