Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That was not my fault. I wish to ask two questions.

I refer to a report made available to the Department of Education and Science about the alleged serious drop in standards of young teachers and the difficulties this causes for the maintenance of teaching standards which is so important to the country. Will the Government make time available for a debate on this matter or does the Minister propose to hold a debate on the implications of the report in order that Deputies can express their concern?

Regarding the referendum on children, yesterday Deputy Rabbitte raised an issue about the separation of the protection of as against the welfare and rights of children. I commented on the matter yesterday evening. Is the Government opposed to holding a referendum now on the question of the zone of absolute protection and the question of soft information? This was considered in great detail by the committee and in respect of which there is no difficulty or opposition from any party in the House. Is the Government opposed to holding a referendum on those two issues now? I am not a constitutional lawyer but the other five issues may cause some difficulty and need to be fully debated. I committed my party to dealing with the matter before the end of the year, irrespective of what happens in the general election. Everybody should have the opportunity to tease out the issues and fully understand them, the balance of rights and so on.

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