Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Two Bills are required from the Department of Education and Science. The Chairman and members of the Joint Committee on Education and Science have been informed that Committee Stage of the Student Support Bill cannot advance because the Department wishes to introduce a series of amendments. Students depend on the enactment of the Bill to have rationalisation of the grants system proceed. Will the Tánaiste advise what course of action Opposition Members can take on behalf of their constituents to advance the Bill?

Two primary schools established in north County Dublin under the aegis of the VEC are currently illegal and do not enjoy legal cover. The Minister has not made an order under existing legislation to provide such cover on a temporary basis. When will the relevant legislation be published and debated?

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