Kathleen Lynch
Question:55 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the implications for teacher numbers and the pupil-teacher ratio of the decision announced in the budget to reduce public service numbers by 5,000 and to impose a freeze on future recruitment; the number of teaching positions that will be affected by these decisions; the way in which it will affect the promised appointment of extra resource teachers and special needs assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10198/03]