Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

The Order of Business is agreed. However, I agree with other speakers that it is absolutely essential for the House to meet again at the earliest available opportunity. As my colleague, Senator Ryan, said yesterday, there is nothing to prevent the House meeting next week now that this session is up and running. Clearly, there are matters of urgent import for us to discuss. I refer in particular to the news this morning of what can only be described as savage cuts in the education budget. Those cuts will have a disproportionate and very serious effect on those who are disadvantaged and in need of support within the education system and on those who hoped for a second chance in education. These cuts are simply unacceptable.

There are also reports of massive cuts in the budget for the Department of the Environment and Local Government, which will have a huge impact on local authorities. Members of the House who are also members of local authorities will have a considerable interest in this matter. I appeal to the Leader to ensure that the relevance of this House is maintained and to set an example in that regard.

I also ask the Leader to return at the earliest available opportunity with her proposals, if any – she made some reference to this yesterday – regarding Seanad reform. The All-Party Committee on the Constitution, of which I was a member, reported on this matter. That could be a starting point for an all-party group within the House to examine this. We await the Leader's proposals and an opportunity to discuss them.

I also ask the Leader to ensure that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is convened at the earliest opportunity to deal with a matter of serious inequality with regard to the treatment of the Labour Party group in the House which we want that resolved as soon as possible. As a group of five, we should be given the facilities which we deserve under the rules of the House.