Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Government incompetence is the reason the Bill is before the House. Given that the work required to ensure appointments to the teaching council conformed to legislation was not done, "lacuna" in this context is a fancy word for incompetence. With competence part of the remit of the teaching council, it is ironic that the Department has set such an early example of incompetence to representatives of teachers and other bodies on the council. I accept, however, that the error must be put right and the Labour Party does not propose to obstruct the Minister in doing so.

Nevertheless, I ask for clarity on several matters. The Minister indicated that the establishment date for the teaching council has not yet been set and difficulties are unlikely to arise with regard to the appointments or the preliminary work carried out by the council. She also indicated the council has already done extensive and good work. Will she assure the House that problems will not arise with regard to the appointees or their preliminary work?

I have a document featuring a lovely photograph taken on 28 February 2005 at the event to which Deputy Enright referred and featuring some familiar and not so familiar faces of those appointed to the teaching council.

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