Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the comments of the honourable Member. Certainly she has touched, like some of the others, on many areas. Perhaps I can deal with a couple of them that are of interest, naturally to her and to others.
The reduced spending in the income support area was referenced and we are putting money back into the food basket area, as well as support for disabled, Mr. Chairman. We are realizing that, and it is a good news story, that income support numbers are reducing. It is because of the employment possibilities out there for individuals. They are taking advantage of that. Even the public should be applauded for that, Mr. Chairman.
The school situation that the Member spoke about substantially, the Member is aware that we did start funding last year for a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio, as well as funding for student support. As well, through the fall period, we did a student needs survey. That survey was completed. It had two or three components to it.
The second component is a technical report that we pass back to the regions and the district education councils and DEAs, so they can take those reports and analyze and utilize that information for their own planning. I think that will be valuable. We are approximately seven or eight months into this program to reduce PTR, to support student needs support. So it is early days yet, but we believe we are making progress already.
As well, Mr. Chairman, I think that we have, on a semi-annual basis, a gathering of chairs of the DECs with myself and the directors of education in the various regions. It has always been an opportune time to discuss issues of this nature to see what progress we are making. We are looking at accountability reports back from the boards as well.
I really appreciate Ms. Lee's comments in this area, because that is the ultimate purpose: to ensure we resolve problems in this area. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.