Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I understand the Senator's point.

Senator Alex White called for a debate on the integration of young students, including language supports in our schools. Current spending by the Department of Education and Science totals €8.5 billion, which is enormous. That is what will be invested in 2008 with the biggest item being the pay budget for approximately 90,000 people. Many of us did not realise that such a large number of people are employed in the education sector. Approximately 1,100 extra primary and post-primary teachers have been put in place this year alone, and the Minister has confirmed that a further 1,200 teaching places are planned for the 2008-09 academic year. In the primary sector alone there are now in the region of 6,000 more teachers on the Department's payroll than in 2002.

Extra teachers were provided in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The primary programme for Government contains a commitment to provide a further 4,000 primary teachers by 2012. According to the Department, with the additional teachers in place, those provided for in this year's budget and the 2,000 extra primary teachers to be provided during the next two years, we are ahead of target. A 21% increase in funding for primary teacher training colleges will expand significantly the number of places for postgraduate diplomas in primary teaching from next February. This will ensure an adequate supply of qualified primary teachers to meet Government and departmental requirements.

Senators Keaveney, O'Reilly, Mullen and Healy Eames called for a debate on alcohol and alcohol related problems. I, and everyone in the country, wholeheartedly welcomed the Taoiseach's statement in this regard at the weekend. We look forward to the support of all parties in addressing the concerns expressed by him in respect of the difficulties being experienced and the free availability of alcohol at filling stations and supermarkets. As legislators processing the legislation in both Houses, we never intended this would be the case. I have agreed to allocate time for an all-day debate on the challenges facing us in respect of alcohol and the required social changes in this regard. Senators will have an opportunity to contribute to this debate following the Easter recess.

Senator Regan spoke about the legal profession. I recognise and acknowledge its contribution to society since the foundation of the State. I will pass on his views to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I have no difficulty in providing time for a debate on the issues outlined to the House by Senator Regan.

Senators Ó Murchú, Doherty, Mullen, Ó Domhnaill and Buttimer expressed various views in respect of this House debating the Irish language issue and in respect of coverage by the national media of matters uttered in Irish in this House. I welcome the TG4 representative present in the House earlier to cover part of the proceedings of the Order of Business and any arm of the media that comes here to cover the affairs of this House. I believe the Des Bishop programme will enhance the future of the Irish language. We all support the enhancement of Irish as our national language.

Senator Kelly called for a debate on enterprise, trade and employment and outlined the difficulties being experienced by small and medium-sized enterprises. I have given a commitment to invite the relevant Minister to the House for such a debate. While it is often felt that the midlands region does not get its fair share, the provision by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, of €35 million for the new engineering block at the Athlone Institute of Technology to cater for 1,000 new engineering students is to be welcomed. The 53 acre site will be used by 6,500 graduates attending the institute.

Senator Coghlan, a long-standing and experienced Member of this House, called for a debate on planning issues. I have no difficulty in allowing time for such a debate.

Senators Doherty, O'Reilly, Ó Domhnaill and Healy-Eames called for a debate on matters pertaining to the 1916 Proclamation and Easter Sunday. I have no difficulty in providing time for such a debate. I am sure the points I made earlier in respect of education will lay to rest the fears of some Senators in terms of cherishing all the children of the nation.

Regardless of who is in Government or in what country, there exists always people who are underprivileged or who, for one reason or another, do not receive a fair share of a nation's funding. No one could have foreseen 40 years ago the position in which we find ourselves today. I acknowledge, as I have many times before, the institutes of technology, free transport of students to second level and free education for second level students. Much has been done in this area in the past 40 to 45 years. I salute those in the teaching profession who, when funding was put in place, made it all possible.

Senator Ó Domhnaill expressed serious concerns about the Contact 4 employees who lost their jobs at the three centres in Údarás na Gaeltachta areas. It is not easy to attract new industry to these areas given their distance from main centres of transportation and so on. It is in this regard broadband will come into its own and play a part. We must ensure the Irish language is preserved in rural and Gaeltacht areas. Broadband is of the essence in these areas. We all know from experience that once in place, it is an enormous boost to these areas wherein there are no motorways or facilities. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister.

Senator Ó Domhnaill also called for a debate with the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism on the possibility of training for participants in the Olympic Games. The matter is worthy of debate and I will endeavour to have the Minister attend this House in that regard. I will pass on to the Minister Senator Ó Domhnaill's experiences as relayed in the House today.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on brain awareness week and the two reports on neurological services. I will consider the matter and come back to the House on it later in the week.