My Department's recently published Report on Retention Rates of Pupils in Second Level Schools, which shows the highest number of students ever completing second level education, is a welcome development. It does, of course, place pressure on our teacher numbers at a time of increasing enrolments. At this point I do not propose to give any specific commitment on the current levels of investment in education being maintained at present levels. This is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget.
The Government will endeavour to protect frontline education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.