Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

Young and less well off people have often been accused of being cynical about politics and politicians. Is it any wonder, given the way young people have been treated concerning their CAO applications? I support the comments by previous speakers about this matter. The individual who was wheeled out this morning sounded like a former Soviet bureaucrat laying down the law. Who is in charge of this country? The Minister for Education and Science should direct the CAO to deal with students in an appropriate manner. One could say that the students are getting a huge concession in that they will be allowed to post their applications today but they will pay €10 extra. I wonder if the €10 includes the price of the stamp. On top of that, students will also get the privilege of paying another €10 if their applications are a day late.

This is not the first time the CAO's technology has collapsed. The Government has some record when it comes to technology, when one considers electronic voting, PPARS and the CAO. It is not good enough. Who is in charge? Where does the Minister for Education and Science stand on this matter?

Last Tuesday morning, two gardaí came knocking on a woman's door. She was a mother of five children — the youngest is three, while the eldest is 12 — and was taken away. Arrangements were made to put her in prison because she had not paid a €500 fine. There is no provision for people to pay fines in instalments. In this day and age, is it good enough for this to happen in this so-called caring society with a caring Government? The Leader should initiate a debate on fines and other penalties.