John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with the previous speakers who spoke about Ballinamore, County Leitrim. I express my regret that the situation has reached this point. There are similar centres throughout the country which are threatened with closure and we should have a debate as soon as possible on those closures and on the general downgrading of rural Ireland, as outlined by Senator Ryan.

I raise the issue of special needs in education with particular emphasis on primary education. At present, there are 7,000 reports before the Department of Education and Science on children who need special assistance at primary level, but they have not been acted on. That is not right and we should review the situation with a view to getting more assistance for primary school children who need help with education.

I urge the Leader to arrange a debate on the role of amateur sport as soon as possible. We are all familiar with the tax breaks the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, gave to professional sports people a number of years ago. A number of amateur sporting bodies have been in contact with Senators and Deputies in recent months with a view to a comparable situation being implemented for amateur sports people. I urge the Leader to arrange a debate on this issue as soon as possible.