Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I agree with what Senator Tuffy stated. I would welcome a debate on divorce ten years on and on how the concept of family will be redefined. The entire fabric of society has changed and we must consider the role of family law and how it should be reformed. I do not know whether such a debate is possible in this session.

The reform of the Central Applications Office is an issue close to my heart. We should have a root and branch examination of how the system works for our young children. It is wrong that after completing the leaving certificate one can only change one's mind until 1 July. Students should be able to wait until they have their results before completing a change of mind slip and they could base it on how they do in the leaving certificate. The CAO should be more flexible. This could be introduced this year and we should not need to wait. It should not take such a change for it to operate in the short term.

We should examine the system. Entry to third-level education has changed. The supply is no longer there and many courses do not need to involve the CAO. We must debate this matter. I do not know whether it is possible to do so because we are running short of time. If it is possible, I would welcome a debate before the leaving certificate begins. The CAO has had this power for too long and it should be diluted.