Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom fáilte mhór a chur roimh chinneadh an Rialtais gan an PTR a ardú sna scoileanna, idir bhunscoileanna agus mheánscoileanna.

Tá sé ag ardú sna scoileanna tuaithe.

Tá na scoileanna tuaithe ceart go leor. Níl na figiuirí sin chomh hard leis na scoileanna eile. Tá a fhios sin ag an Seanadóir.

Ní aontódh muintir na tuaithe le sin.

Níl sé sin fíor.

Does Senator Jim D'Arcy have a question for the Leader?

It is welcome that there is no change in the pupil-teacher ratio in schools. This is one of the big successes of this Government. It has been said and it is true that the number of pupils in small schools has increased. I am open to contradiction, but I think the number of pupils in classes in small schools is still below the respective number in larger schools.

That is a different issue.

Yes, but that is the point I was making and someone said it was not true. I do not like being accused of untruths. I also welcome the extension whereby the pupil-teacher ratio in fee paying schools, particularly little Protestant schools, is not going up. A stop has been put to this, which is important. In the early years of the State there was a lack of trust among the Protestant community regarding their future within the State. We protected this and that needs to continue. The Protestant ethos in schools needs to be recognised and respected. I am glad that there has been no increase in the ratio and hope that will be the end of it.

I have a particular question for the Leader.

The Senator has gone way over time.

I am sorry, but I was interrupted. I would like the Leader to find out if that is now the end of the rises in pupil-teacher ratios in Protestant fee-paying schools.