Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join with Senator O'Toole in calling for a debate on the situation at the Marino Institute of Education. Some of the details which emerged yesterday were shocking and many questions need to be answered. Our primary concern is for the students and staff, but we could all benefit from a debate on the issue as a matter of the utmost urgency as it is a very serious situation.

I also wish to raise the issue of local government funding, which I have raised here previously. For a number of years now, we have been informed that a review of local government funding is under way, but there is no sign of its completion. Can the Leader arrange for the Minister to come to the House to debate the issue? In the meantime, local authorities all over the country resolve budgetary shortfalls by increasing commercial rates. While all businesses must pay their fair share and are willing to do so, the situation whereby 8% of the beneficiaries pay 50% of the budget must be addressed. We need a more equitable system.