Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Walsh, Quinn and Ormonde expressed strong views on the funding of primary schools. It is a challenge of a positive nature, particularly in light of the increase in our population. It is a by-product of the Celtic tiger, parts 1 and 2. I will pass on the Senators' views and I have no difficulty in making time available for a debate on the matter.

Senator Fitzgerald inquired about the follow-up to Leas Cross. I last commented on this matter on 22 November. The updated position is that the Garda authorities have confirmed to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that they followed up on the media reports and on a number of letters of concern received by them in respect of Leas Cross. The Garda has kept in close contact with the DPP's office on this matter and on 14 June it was agreed with the DPP that they would await receipt of the O'Donovan report commissioned by the HSE, at which juncture the issue of a full criminal investigation will again be examined.

The Senator also inquired about the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform coming before the House to discuss domestic violence and the allocation of further funding. I have no difficulty setting aside time to debate this matter.

Senators O'Toole, Bacik, Hanafin, McFadden and Ó Murchú expressed their strong views on unwanted pregnancies, CURA, funding, leaflet distribution and all other aspects of this matter. I do not believe it will be possible to debate this issue in the House prior to Christmas because time is getting short. If, however, some of the political parties wish to table Private Members' motions in order to assist the Senators, I have no difficulty in facilitating such a debate.

Senator McFadden inquired about the new school for Kilucan and the new facility for 1,000 students at Athlone community college. As a result of the time I spent serving as a Deputy in the Lower House, I am in a position to update the Senator on the situation.