Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am only beginning my reply to the Senator whom I am happy to support. It is an issue that requires further analysis by the Department. We are all united in wanting to ensure every child has the opportunity to realise his or her potential, including through changes to DEIS status. Many of us have raised the issues outlined with the Minister. I cannot understand, for example, why some schools in Cork city have not been given DEIS funding. However, a total of 79 schools were added to the scheme last year. The objective of the scheme is to improve literacy and numeracy levels and ensure an increase in school completion numbers and access to education for those who most need it. Last year new methodology was put in place by the Department which incorporated CSO figures. It is important that the development of a new monitoring unit is worked on. I agree with the Senator that issues need to be ironed out. I am happy to work with her to increase the number of schools participating in the scheme and the budget for it. The home-school liaison service has an important role to play, particularly in schools with a high absenteeism rate and a low participation rate. I have taught in a school and been director of adult education. It is important to support this service and work with schools in disadvantaged communities. It is also important to encourage all students to use these schemes and services. Home-school liaison teachers play a vital and pivotal role in many schools. They do specialised work and have a vocation, although I might get in trouble for saying that. Their role goes beyond the normal interaction in the classroom and I commend the work being done. I call on all Ministers, irrespective of their ideology, to increase the number of home-school liaison teachers in schools.

Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Terry Leyden referred to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat. The Tánaiste brought a position paper to the Cabinet this morning and the Government decided to expel one Russian diplomat as part of a European-wide solidarity stance with the United Kingdom. I do not believe for one second that it is anti-Russian. This is about ensuring we will all stand in solidarity as Europeans; it is not about east versus west. The use of chemical weaponry in Salisbury-----