Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I hope the Leader will convey to the Garda authorities the sentiments expressed in this House and indicate that we acknowledge their professionalism in the way they dealt with the severe provocation they faced last Saturday.

I very much welcome yesterday's High Court decision in regard to a challenge brought by a UCD student to the back to education allowance. Many people were cruelly and callously denied that allowance by the previous Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan. I hope the Minister will not appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.