Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Last week, Senators called for a debate on Northern Ireland. Will the Leader agree to hold such a debate before the end of the session, irrespective of the outcome of talks tomorrow and the final deadline imposed by the Governments? My colleague, Senator Cummins, last week asked the Leader to provide clarity on the issue surrounding two persons who have yet to be convicted for the manslaughter or murder of Detective Garda McCabe. The persons in question, one of whom lives in South America while the other lives in Portugal, fled the country following the murder of Detective Garda McCabe in 1996. Does the Leader have information concerning these persons? Will an amnesty be granted to them in respect of the appalling crimes they committed with their colleagues in 1996 in Adare? Will she put such information on the record? Whatever deal is done — I hope one is done — it must involve no humiliation for Mrs. McCabe, the Garda Síochána or the institutions of the State, which were 82 years' old yesterday. Many calls have been made from all sides for a debate on Northern Ireland and I am sure the Leader will do her best to facilitate one.

I join the request issued over the weekend by the conference of the Teachers Union of Ireland that the Government establish a commission on discipline in the school system. This is an important issue. Teachers tell us that the issue of indiscipline in the school system is more important than the issue of pay. The cases raised at the TUI conference included bullying, sexual harassment and innuendo, spitting at teachers and destruction of personal property. The State has a responsibility to ensure that all teachers work in a disciplined environment and that adequate protection is given to boards of management to ensure the school environment is safe for teachers and pupils. We need to address this issue. A review of legislation has been called for in this area. I support the call by the TUI for a commission on discipline in our schools.