Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

A great deal of change has taken place.

Senator Callely referred to students between the ages of 14 and 16 who may, for one reason or another, get into difficulties in the schools they are attending and who encounter problems when they try to transfer to other schools. I will communicate the Senator's strong views to the Minister and try to elicit a response. This is a difficult matter and I hope what he described will not occur too often.

Senators McCarthy and MacSharry voiced their disapproval of last night's "Oireachtas Report", on which proceedings in the Seanad were not covered.

Senators Coghlan, Mary White, Norris and Ormonde referred to the difficulties being experienced in the context of competitiveness. That is a matter to which I referred earlier.

A number of Members requested a debate on education. I earlier expressed an opinion on that matter in the context of the points relating to mathematics and science in the leaving certificate examination.

Senator Norris reminded the House of the 40th anniversary of the historic events that took place during a civil rights march in Derry and which people at the time witnessed on their television screens. So much has been achieved in the interim, particularly on the northern part of the Ireland. I congratulate everyone involved — Protestant or Catholic, Nationalist or Unionist — on their steadfastness and commend them for the work they have done during the past 40 years. I welcome the fact that we are in a position to consider the massive improvements and terrific progress that have been made and the understanding that has come about. Education has proven to be a wonderful instrument in the context of many of the achievements that have taken place. Successive Taoisigh and Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Equality and Law Reform worked hard with their counterparts in order to bring us to the point at which we find ourselves.

Senator Coffey referred to children with special needs and those trained personnel who are available. I will pass on his strong views to the Minister. If the Senator requires a debate at some future debate, I will make time available for it.

Senator Coffey requested a debate on climate change and energy efficiency in schools. Senator Bacik made similar request on yesterday's Order of Business but I neglected to reply to her. I have no difficulty in arranging such a debate on such a worthy matter.