Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

There is a clear precedent in this area by which any Member of the Oireachtas can make a request that the President consider referring a Bill to the Supreme Court to determine its constitutionality. There is no difficulty with my request. It would make sense for all concerned if a final determination on the constitutionality of the Bill was to be made by the Supreme Court, should the President so determine. She has shown tremendous latitude and expertise and I am sure she will show the same in this and future cases.

I support and welcome a proposal made during the teacher union conferences to extend an allowance already available to teachers working in the Gaeltacht to teachers working in disadvantaged communities. I ask the Leader to take up the matter with the Minister for Education and Science. It is difficult for communities to stem the haemorrhage of teachers from disadvantaged schools. We must consider a special allowance for teachers in those communities to ensure a large number of qualified and trained teachers stay. There is an allowance for Gaeltacht areas which should also be available in disadvantaged communities. I ask that this proposal be put to the Government.