Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. I think the budgetary process gets earlier every year. I very much understand the serious issues raised by the INTO and I thank the organisation for doing so. From my engagement with schools, I know the cost pressures they are facing are real. The Government does, obviously, want to help support our schools. The way we will do this, obviously, will be through the budget. I think we have good form in this regard because the Deputy referred to the extra funding we provided to deal with Covid costs. There was also the unparalleled capital budget in terms of school extensions, expansions and refurbishments. Significant improvements have also been made in pupil-teacher ratios, SNA numbers and special educational needs. We will look at all the issues around how best to support our schools in the budget. I thank the INTO for its submission today.

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