Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the two earlier matters, the question of time allocation in this House is a matter for the Whips and the House in terms of how it deals with its affairs. I do not have a role in that regard.

With regard to the teacher unions, I would love them to come in to talks and to explore with the Department and myself how we can make progress. I have listened to and am aware of their concerns, and we would like to move a step further, if that is possible. That has been indicated by me to them on a number of occasions and the matter is with them.

On the last point concerning the summer works scheme, we got through tranches of this year's summer works scheme because of the money we were able to make available, and quite a large number of schools have been able to benefit from that. If more money becomes available, there will not be another summer works scheme because we do not have the time to process it, so it will be for next year, if that is possible.

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