Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will indeed. I again thank Senator Norris. Whenever I hear Senator Norris speak in this House, he speaks with the reality of life. The Senator speaks clearly and loudly, as he has done today.

I certainly will raise the issue with the Minister, Deputy McHugh. As has been outlined in the reply, it is an independent process. When schools are not successful, it is difficult to take it any further.

In saying that, I agree with the Leas-Chathaoirleach that Senator Norris should forward the paperwork that he has been reading from to the Minister, Deputy McHugh, including his clear indication of how passionate and committed are those who are part of that school about this problem.

Considering my own background and the community I represent, I would say on a personal level to Senator Norris and him speaking about the north inner-city that on a daily basis I meet school principals and get letters from constituents on how numbers have figured, particularly in DEIS schools. I have a personal view of DEIS schools which I will not go into now but I believe that there are certain communities and schools that need to be looked at in a different light. When my own children went to school in my parish, the numbers - there were only 13 in a class - made such a difference to their lives and to their education as well. Sometimes we have to look again in a different way at schools that have such complex needs.

I compliment the Senator again on how articulate he is about the homeless problem. We all understand. As a parent and grandparent, I never want to see my child or my children's children living in a hotel in a room where they do not have the space to be taken aside to do their homework.

I will bring back to the Minister the Senator's clear views and concerns. If Senator Norris would send on the material to the Minister, Deputy McHugh, I will say it to him as well.