John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in extending my sympathy and that of my party to the families who were bereaved by yesterday's horrific accident in County Meath, and to those in the wider community who must be feeling a great deal of pain today. All parents see their children off to school and all parents expect their children to come home. Such an incident must have a terrible impact on them, the other schoolchildren and the wider community. Many schoolchildren affected by this tragedy will shortly begin their examinations. Having heard Senator O'Toole speak about the impact on children, we hope the various counselling services will be able to deal with this efficiently and professionally and bring some succour to the families and wider community. As events unfold in the weeks and months ahead, the relevant debate will take place in this House at the appropriate time.

I join Senator Brian Hayes in calling for a debate on Northern Ireland in the near future. Following the British general election and in light of the report of the Independent Monitoring Commission today, a debate would be timely and I hope the Leader will facilitate it.

I welcome the Leader's comments on the Disability Bill. It is legislation that requires time for debate and I am grateful that she has made clear that as much time as is required will be made available.