Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I also wish to raise the tragic death of Derek O'Toole and how it is being dealt with by the Garda. What happened took place in Lucan in my constituency and Derek O'Toole was, and his family are, constituents of mine. There is a need for an independent element of any investigation carried out into Derek O'Toole's death, all the circumstances surrounding it and the media coverage of it. Such an investigation is needed because of the questions that have been raised. Senator Brian Hayes referred to this matter. For example, the fact that the parents were given so little information and the blackening of Derek O'Toole's good character by the phrase that he was known to the Garda.

The mere fact that a garda was involved in a fatal road collision means there should be an independent element to any investigation. Yesterday, I looked at reports on the website of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. That office routinely carries out investigations into fatal road collisions in which members of the PSNI have been involved. Perhaps this case would merit that type of investigation by the new Garda Ombudsman Commission. This would ensure public confidence in any investigation carried out. The Garda Ombudsman Commission was set up over a year ago. I read in the Evening Herald yesterday that it will be up and running in two months' time. Is there a possibility it could have a role in regard to this investigation? With all the questions that have been raised about this case, there is a need for an independent element to any investigation that takes place.

An article appeared in The Irish Times today on a report by the expert group on future skills which refers to the need for 500,000 workers to progress by at least one level of their educational attainment by 2020. The Government needs to give more priority to this issue. Our economy is too dependent on factors which are not sustainable, for example, the construction industry, which appears to be artificially maintained at its current level. We must examine providing the workforce with proper skills, especially older workers.

My inquiries on behalf of a constituent will be of interest to Senator White and other Senators. He is over 65 years of age and is in receipt of the State pension. In view of this he is not entitled to the back to education allowance that is available to people on many other social welfare payments. This is discrimination and it should be addressed.