Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mullen made his views known on education. I will pass his views on to the Minister. I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Education and Science of €58 million in funding for the refurbishment of research facilities at various universities and institutes of technology. This is money well spent. The secret of our success and the Celtic tiger is that the ITs have played a major role. I also welcome the donation of €24 million by Mr. J. P. McManus to allow two students from each county who qualify for medical cards to access third level education. I can identify with these students and I congratulate him on his generous donation. I also thank the Minister for enhancing the fund and proceeding with the proposal. If we take these two Holy Thursday allocations together, they give a total of €72 million being spent on education. There has been a big change since this day 20 years ago, when we were in a difficult situation with regard to the then Department of Health. Most of us came home from a health board meeting in Tullamore after protective notice was given to two thirds of the workforce of the Department. We have come a long way, although a realignment is occurring.

Senators Mullen, Boyle and Callely expressed their strong views on the situation in Tibet, which I will pass on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Minister will be in the House after the Easter recess and Senators can also avail of that opportunity to express their views. Senator Kelly expressed his strong views on the undocumented Irish in America. As I said yesterday, when I covered this issue comprehensively, we all want to see the same result. Copies of the Taoiseach's address to the President of the United States will be placed in Members' pigeon holes after the Order of Business so everyone will know at first hand what the Taoiseach actually said.