Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I echo the sentiments of previous speakers on yesterday's funeral of former President, Dr. Patrick Hillery. I was privileged to attend it. From the day's events and as seen throughout the country, it was clear Dr. Hillery was held in great affection by us all. It is always a sad day for Ireland when we must bury one of our great Irish men.

Like previous speakers, I congratulate Senator Cannon on his election to the leadership of the Progressive Democrats. It is a significant challenge for him and the Labour Party wishes him well on a personal level. I would like to express my condolences to Senator O'Malley on her disappointment. Knowing her, she will bounce back quickly. If she wants to bounce her way across to these benches, we will be happy to take her.

We echo Senator O'Toole's comments on civil partnerships. There has been a delay. While we were promised the heads of a Bill by the end of March, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has not delivered them. We need to see something in the House quickly.

I want to raise the subject of the OECD's report on the economy. The thrust of the report is that we must improve and control our wages and prices if we are to remain competitive on the international stage. I draw attention to two specific areas where work is needed. First, there is a low employment rate among lone parents which affects their children consequently. Additional programmes and resources must be invested in supporting lone parents and encouraging their return to the workplace. Second, we are falling behind in investment in education. The report states we must spend more to ensure people who fall through the net in school are supported. We must ensure adequate funding is in place for programmes such as Youthreach and to allow for their expansion throughout the country. The report draws attention to the fact our classrooms must be upgraded. Many children go to school in portakabins. In the morning, they leave their First World homes for Third World classrooms. If we are serious about maintaining our economic competitiveness, we must invest in education. Will the Leader arrange a debate on how education investment can help to improve our competitiveness?

I draw attention to the unfolding crisis in the world's food security. The past week has witnessed riots in Haiti leading to the resignation of its prime minister. The price of bread and cereals has increased by 50% to 60%. The president of the World Bank stated that up to 100 million people are in danger of poverty as a result of the increases in food prices. Yesterday, Mr. John O'Shea of GOAL called for rich countries to donate more money to buy food supplies across the world and to make them available to Third World countries suffering owing to food prices. The United Nations has called for rich countries to contribute €300 million towards the unfolding crisis. Will the Leader ask the relevant Ministers to ensure we are at the forefront of efforts to held the Third World? We know the horrors of famine and must be at the forefront of providing aid and relief.