Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I have sought information from the Leader on a number of occasions, but perhaps the Deputy Leader may be able to inform me on when the student support Bill will come before this House. Is it expected before the end of the year or at the start of the next term? A commitment was given to students that the Bill would be taken in early 2007 but the end of the year is now approaching.

Will the Deputy Leader facilitate the taking of an all-party motion, similar to what was agreed in the Dáil last night, that we support 100% the call for the plight of the undocumented Irish to be resolved? Will those who are not members of the main political parties be given an opportunity to add their voices and send a clear message to the families of the undocumented that not only Deputies but Senators agree that the issue needs to be resolved and are calling on the Government to do everything in its power to resolve it and to send a clear signal to the US Government that both Houses of the Oireachtas are in full support of it? Will the Deputy Leader agree to consult the leaders of the groups on a motion, similar to the way we dealt with the issue of Burma, that could be debated as early as possible?