Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We will continue to highlight that in the House.

On a separate matter, a little like St. Paul on the road to Damascus, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is now moving in the direction outlined by Deputy Richard Bruton some years ago in a document he produced regarding evaluation within schools. I support and welcome the initiative by the Minister who is now talking about introducing a formal evaluation of schools and ensuring that parents have greater accountability within the school system in terms of examination results and evaluation within the school. Too many children are losing out because of poor school performance and poor performance within the school system. Up to 20% of children are being lost in the education system. I support the Minister's efforts to introduce greater evaluation in the education system. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister on this issue. Fine Gael outlined its support for this measure three years ago and was castigated at the time by the then Fianna Fáil Government. Fianna Fáil is now adopting the position outlined by my party. We welcome the U-turn by Fianna Fáil on this issue.

Regarding the ongoing postal dispute, the Leader has considerable experience as a former Cabinet Minister and will understand the dilemma now faced by the country if the postal service is disrupted for some days. The labour Act of 1991 introduced a code of practice for essential services. I am not aware of any public utility company running essential services which has negotiated such a code between management and unions and that should be introduced. It is wrong that the entire country can be held to ransom in respect of an industrial dispute of this nature. The Government and the Minister responsible have taken their eye off the ball. I ask for a debate on the issue to bring about some reason and to ensure that posted letters will be delivered as soon as possible. One cannot have a proper, functioning, modern economy where the postal service is in dispute. I ask the Government to examine the 1991 legislation and find a means of introducing a code of practice that both management and unions can agree to.