Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

People prided themselves on the application of the three Rs in education. A survey on education today in the Irish Independent highlights the plague of the three Ds, drink, drugs and Deputy Noel Dempsey, the Minister for Education and Science. We have invited the Minister to the Seanad to outline his policies to deal with the problems in education, many of which he has exacerbated by destroying the morale of teachers. The survey of attitudes among teachers shows that 30% of teachers want to change his or her occupation; 43% are stressed; 33% have taught pupils who were under the influence of alcohol; and 71% have taught pupils who were disruptive in class. Education is in crisis. Will the Leader ask the Minister to outline his policies in this House? The Minister, by not attending all the conferences on this occasion, has lost an opportunity to outline his policy. Talk is of little value and at this stage action is required.