John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I will start where I finished during the last session by appealing to the Leader about the Cork School of Music. When I spoke here before we broke up for the summer recess, I pointed out that we would face industrial action in the autumn. That industrial action has commenced and is still unresolved. I appeal to the Leader to get a definitive direction and answer from the Minister for Education and Science as to where we are going with this matter.

I also support the calls for a debate on planning. We sought this in the last session and I hope we can have it this time. It is totally confusing to see a local authority granting planning permission which is upheld by an inspector from An Bord Pleanála, only for the board to overturn that on foot of a handful of objections. A debate is needed and I hope the Leader facilitates it.