Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I join Senators Twomey, O'Toole and others in wishing success to young students commencing the leaving and junior certificate examinations. This is a trying time for them. Few adults would like to have to repeat the State examinations.

I will communicate to the Minister the concerns raised by Senators Twomey and Norris on health issues. I do not envisage having another debate on health as we have had four such debates with the Minister in attendance. Owing to the large number of Bills due before the House in the ten or 11 sitting days before the summer recess, legislation will be prioritised in the time remaining.

Senators O'Toole, Bradford and Doherty called for a debate on education issues, including schools building projects. I will arrange for such a debate at the earliest possible date. I look forward to having the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, a former Senator, in the House to update us on developments in his portfolio.

Senators Hannigan, Regan, Ross, Bradford, Doherty and John Paul Phelan expressed diverse views on the Lisbon treaty. I concur with most of Senator Regan's assessment. Given his legal background, I hope his views are shared by the majority of voters on 12 June.