Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I wish to raise the plans by the Minister for Education and Science to link the funding of third level colleges to a college's performance and whether it cuts back on costs. I would like to hear more on these plans before I judge them. More important than placement in university leagues is a college's function to educate students, and it is our performance in that area over the years that has given rise to our successful economy.

A survey was carried out by the Department of Health and Children on the health of students. The results showed a high incidence of students binge drinking. Other areas covered included whether students practised unsafe sex. It is important that the Minister for Education and Science backs colleges in providing support to students to help them with worries and mental health problems so they do not resort to binge-drinking. I would also like to debate this topic with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

In a related story, newspapers have reported that a member of the task force on alcohol has drawn attention to the fact that the Government has not implemented the task force's reports, something for which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has significant responsibility. A task force member also questioned the Minister's plans for café bars, stating it is in contradiction with the recommendations of the task force. There are high levels of binge drinking in the country and it seems they are even higher among students. We would like this matter debated in the House with the Minister.