Feargal Quinn (Independent)

There is a great deal of upset as a result of what happened last night. The vote was carried by 26 Members on one side against a much smaller number on the other. However, a substantial number of Senators were not informed that there would be a change to the Order of Business. I and some other Members spoke in both health debates yesterday. I left the House after listening to the Minister's speech at 5.50 p.m. I was available to return for the debate but I was not informed. I do not know why but I understand from Senator Norris that, as Whip, he was not informed but simply noticed what was happening. He happened to be in the House. Had I been in the House I might not have been informed either. However, I was available to attend, as was Senator O'Toole and a number of others.

So called "quickie" legislation is usually bad legislation. Democracy is a delicate plant. We have had our freedom under the Constitution since 1937 and we must be careful not to allow anything to interrupt that. Last night elected Members of this House, who wished to vote and to participate, regardless of which way they wished to vote, should have been given the opportunity to do so, but were not. There is a question as to whether this subverts our constitutional rights. The Constitution provides that legislation should be debated and go through the various Stages in the House. On the occasions when it is necessary to rush a Bill through the House, we should treat it carefully and delicately. That did not happen last night. I hope the comments made today will ensure that this never happens again.

I wish to raise the issue of teacher training, from the perspective of parents who are concerned about the report. The report suggested that one third of teachers are leaving college and going into the education system without being suitably trained. Senator Browne suggests that the debate should focus on teacher training. We should have that debate, particularly on behalf of the students and the parents of young children who are now concerned that they are not getting the education they deserve owing to a fault on the part of those who are training the teachers.