Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

They will not take them in because they might disturb their leisurely rise through the league table. Schools were never meant to be socially divisive, but rather places where people could assume an equality of purpose in their lives.

Senator Coonan spoke about the need for a debate on agriculture. The Minister and her colleagues are in Brussels. There was a strong call last week for a debate on agriculture this week. We spoke to the Minister but we were told that she would be in Brussels for a full week and that her Ministers of State would be with her. I received a note to the effect that statements on the WTO talks will be in the schedule for next week. The Minister was very keen to attend, but could not do so because of her commitments.