Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I draw the Taoiseach's attention to three legislative matters in the Department of Education and Science. His colleague beside him is a former Minister for Education and Science and should be familiar with some of them. This Department does not produce much legislation but it probably takes longer than any other to move from "A" to "Z" in delivering it.

The education (patronage) Bill provides the legal basis for VECs to be patrons at primary school level. It is a two section Bill. We have already sent a full draft to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, and publication is still expected in 2009. A school is acting illegally, or is at risk of a legal charge, in north country Dublin.

The George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act must be amended. It is not a controversial measure. However, there is a reception in the US ambassador's residence this Friday at which the reluctance in the Department of Education and Science and the question of why we are using the name of Senator George Mitchell in such a cavalier manner and not putting our money where our mouth is will be raised.

I draw the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that the Student Support Bill, the purpose of which has nothing to do with the reintroduction of fees but rather to modernise the existing grant applications scheme, was passed by this House 11 months ago. The amendments which are due still have not been brought before the committee, despite requests from it. Will the Taoiseach, in his capacity, throw his eye over the management and political stewardship of the Department of Education and Science regarding legislation? It is a D minus at present.

See this speech in context