Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I cannot believe that. I second Senator Fitzgerald's proposal. I seldom do this because I usually find that amendments on which a vote is called at the end of the Order of Business are on something I do not support. However, this amendment is worthy of support and I agree with Senator Fitzgerald's point about rushed legislation.

We will not have a long discussion on the economy today. I gather we will have only two hours, although I was hoping for a longer time. I am very disappointed about this also. It is being done in a rush. I will not call for a debate on the economy as we are going to have one. However, I have some homework for us to do over the long summer recess. It is not just for Senators but for everyone in the country. It is to read the new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013, which was launched by the Minister for Education and Science this morning. It is very impressive, but what surprised me were some of the figures provided, particularly with regard to investment in education.