Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, leader of the Opposition, raised several tribunal matters and the cap on lawyers' fees in particular, due to be introduced at the end of March. He asked if this was still the position. The Senator correctly stated that tribunals are creatures of the Oireachtas and that they should be directed from these Houses. The Senator also asked for a debate on the current situation in Lebanon when the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, returns from his trip there. That would be very useful and we would all benefit from his comments on the Army's position there and the current situation in that country.

Senator Hayes also mentioned the Fáilte Isteach project in Meath and the President's admiration for such a step. I also read the article and thought it was wonderful that the group would give of themselves in the language. This, combined with the many new language support teachers appointed by the Minister to primary schools, is very welcome.

Senator O'Toole mentioned Paul Appleby and indicated he was careful and would not be profligate in his spending or use of staff. He argued we should again support his office. The Senator also mentioned the case of the 14 year old in the news, the information unfolding on the matter and the vista it would open up if the hints about which we have read are true. This is a very serious matter which I am sure will be considered by the drafters of legislation, and more information will come to the fold.

The Senator also mentioned that it is work-life balance day. Let us all have a party and go home. We cannot do that but I take the Senator's point. I do not know how one would achieve a better work-life balance. I have always struggled to achieve that. I do not know how I managed it but I did and I am still struggling with it.

Senator O'Meara raised the lack of child care, the unfolding matter of the paedophile ring and what it brings in its wake. Senator Minihan would support the relevant Minister coming to the House to debate the areas of inclusion and special needs in education. It would be welcome if the Minister could attend for that purpose. I thank all the Members who spoke in such fine fashion on the education debate. It was a welcome debate and I thank the Minister for attending. The contributions from so many Members were also welcome. It was one of the best debates on education I have heard.

Senator Ulick Burke mentioned the State of the Nation's Children report. It states that more than 10% of primary pupils are absent from school from more than 20 days, which is not the norm but the upper limit of what should be the case. The Senator spoke about school welfare officers, about which I have inquired. The home school liaison officer scheme has not been abandoned, but as Senator Fitzgerald mentioned, that scheme together with the school retention programme and other programmes are being reviewed to determine what is best practice. Long ago, a garda played that role. If one was out of school for a day, one would dodge into a shop if the garda was approaching because he or she was supposed to ensure that one went to school. The Senator also referred to a lack of funding for the National Educational Welfare Board. These matters must be examined to determine whether they can be done better, better linked with one another and have a better effect for pupils.

Senator Mansergh pointed out that, despite what is often stated, we are not stuffing the Civil Service. According to the report published, there is an evident lessening of regional disparity. It is good that 78% of voters like their local schools. In the United Kingdom, the figure is approximately 60%.