Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I point this out because the matter will be taken without debate. I know some people, certainly on the Fine Gael side, would have liked a debate on the matter, which was discussed at some length by a committee.

I would like to refer to the Minister for Education and Science's recent statement on Sustaining Progress. We have had long debates in this House on the commitments given in respect of school buildings. I would like to make absolutely clear that Sustaining Progress does not deal with the question of school buildings. This is because the Government of the day refused to include a reference to them. It refused to negotiate on that basis because it wanted to deal with school buildings outside the partnership process. The actions taken by various groups in pursuit of objectives which are not included in Sustaining Progress are not, therefore, constrained in any way by the industrial peace commitments in that agreement. If the Government wanted to restrict the opportunity to take action in respect of school buildings, it should have made commitments about school buildings in Sustaining Progress. Such commitments do not exist. If the Minister for Education and Science chooses to refer the issue to the conciliation and arbitration body or to any of the interpretation bodies, the point I have made will be made absolutely clear. People cannot have it both ways. I have spent a great deal of time arguing for Sustaining Progress and its provisions. We cannot use the agreement to argue for things that are not contained in it. The Government made certain commitments, which were discussed in this House, and it has to deal with the fall-out if they are not met.

I would like to address the proposal made by the Leader of the Opposition. I am happy to support a debate on health at this stage. I understand the Leader gave a commitment that there would be a debate on the various health reports at an appropriate time.