Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I second the motion. I welcome the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, to the House. It is usually a bad idea to appoint teachers or doctors to the positions of Minister for Education and Science and Minister for Health and Children, respectively, but I make an exception in the case of the current Minister. I wish her well in the years ahead in this challenging portfolio.

I know the Minister is not in favour of the decision to close St. Catherine's College, which she would not have taken if it had been her decision to make. Those employed in the Sion Hill educational facilities, who have done so much for the country and, in particular, education in Dublin, are very proud of her and her immense contribution to the college over the years.

Even at this late stage, I hold out an olive branch because I have no regard for the trite amendment tabled in the Minister's name — I suspect it emanated from a brusque Cabinet meeting held yesterday. If she agrees to meet the board of governors, management and staff of St. Catherine's College and reviews the decision taken by her predecessor, the Fine Gael Party would consider withdrawing the motion. The college is proud of the Minister and she of the college, which is important in terms of her educational contribution.

The motion is not concerned with pitting schools against each other. My colleagues from the Sligo area should be aware that the notion that this is some kind of ferocious debate between St. Angela's and St. Catherine's is pathetic. The purpose of the motion is to achieve excellence. Who says we must centre all work and academic excellence in home economics in one area?