Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Robbie Gallagher and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made reference to the pupil-teacher ratio. I would be happy to accept Senator Ó Ríordáin's amendment to the Order of Business, continuing our love-in this morning. We disagree in this case. The budget for 2016 committed to reducing the pupil-teacher ratio, as does the programme for Government. The Government allocated €458 million extra in the budget for 2016, which has the net effect of creating 2,400 new posts in our education system, 900 additional resource teachers, and 1,500 mainstream teaching posts.

The budget for 2016 reduced the pupil-teacher ratio for primary level to 15.7:1 from 16:1, and in post primary, to 13.7:1 from 14:1. I accept that we have a road to travel with regard to that. We have created 4,800 additional posts, and the last Government was clear about pupil-teacher ratios, the need to increase special needs assistants and teachers' posts in education. The record of this Government and the last Government with regard to education and posts is quite good.

Senator Maria Byrne made reference to the issue of Irish Water in Limerick. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House, but perhaps Senator Byrne might want to raise it as a Commencement matter and might get a quicker response than we will this week in the House.

Senator Lynn Ruane made reference to the tragedy on the Grand Canal at the weekend. I join with her in thanking the people who stepped in to assist with the rescue. We need to have a discussion about a national policy on how we can help and counsel people who intervene and come to the assistance of others. I know we have a bravery awards system for people who do such great acts, but as Senator Ruane referred to, the immediate need to have a chat or conversation with a professional needs to be looked at. I would be happy to work with the Senator to progress something along those lines.

Senator Tim Lombard made reference to the Heritage Bill, though the Cathaoirleach rightly said it is a matter for the other House. It is important that we allow for a certain trimming of our hedgerows. This is especially so at this time of year when we have many people on our roads, in particular on our narrow country roads where people are trying to navigate between bicycles, tractors, farm machinery, cars and buses. It is about public safety as well as protecting our environment. I share the Senator's views that there is a need to see action, but it is a matter for the other House, as the Cathaoirleach quite rightly ruled.

Senators Ray Butler, Joe O'Reilly and James Reilly made reference to the issue of diabetes and the need for a national campaign about the issue of blood and having blood tested so that people can be made aware of their situation. Senator Butler is a walking ambassador for the need for proactivity. I do not say that to be patronising. It is important that we all understand the need to have ourselves checked out. There is a need to recognise that this is a matter that can be moved to general practitioners and primary care, and it is part of how we can change the primary care system. I would be happy to progress that with Senator Butler on any occasion, because it is important that we create awareness among people who might not necessarily undertake that activity.

I apologise to Senator Paul Gavan because I did not get the second part of his contribution if he made a second contribution. I have one note down, but if he made a second one, I apologise to him.