Rónán Mullen (Independent)

—— some of which do not even have time to stop. I regret this and while there are hardworking Members on all sides of the House, it is not good enough in respect of an important issue such as alcohol abuse and when trying to take serious steps to tackle it. The least Members should do is give proper consideration and have due respect for the legislative process in order that they can consider such issues in full. While Members are reconciled to the possibility their amendments may not be taken on board, at least a proper discussion could take place. I would be content for the House to sit next week to fully honour the legislative process in this case.

I wish to recall my remarks yesterday when calling for a debate on what our priorities should be at a time of cutbacks. I was distressed to note that our overseas budget is to be cut by more than €40 million. I echo the comments of the GOAL chief executive, Mr. John O'Shea, who rightly stated this was morally indefensible. It is not good enough to state Ireland still will meet its target of 0.7% of GDP by the due date. The opportunity should have been taken to send out a strong signal that Ireland is neither losing its soul nor fumbling in the greasy till and that when cutbacks are required, it will not, as a matter of principle, attack the most vulnerable people in this society and elsewhere in the world. I am deeply disappointed by this development and this decision should be reconsidered as it sends out all the wrong messages.

I again echo the comments of Senator Quinn. He and I both attended the Higher Education Authority's launch of the national plan for equality of access in higher education. Some serious issues arise that should be debated in this House regarding those groups in Irish society who are not achieving high levels of participation in third level education. The intention is to reach an average of 72% of people continuing to third level education and that each section of the community will achieve a minimum of 54% participation.

However, it is interesting to note the non-manual category has a rate as low as 27% participation in higher education. I wonder whether this pertains to the children of gardaí and others who do not qualify for the means test and who earn just enough to prevent them from being grant aided. Is this keeping people out of third level education? What are the implications for them and for the economy? There should be a debate on the issue of access to higher education. Moreover, if Members are to sit next week, such a debate should be prioritised, in addition to the legislation that must be debated.