Alex White (Labour)

I support the points made in respect of the education debate with the Minister, which I hope will take place soon. Whatever debate takes place must be based on facts and accurate information. In fairness to the Minister for Education and Science, numbers might not necessarily be his strong point, as Members discovered during the summer in respect of third level fees. However, I am sure there will be a sufficient number of people to advise him when he comes before this House to debate such issues, as I believe he will. I agree with Senator O'Toole that this is an unworthy attempt to seek to reduce a highly important debate on education and the future of education provision to an attack on teacher unions or teachers' self-interest. It is reprehensible to seek to reduce it to such a proposition. Members should have a much better debate in this House that will be based on facts and information, the validity of which can be tested.

In the context of renewing the call for a debate on the education cuts, I reflect on what is a theme of mine, of which there were plenty of examples in the House yesterday. It appears the first lesson one must pass to succeed and perform on the other side of the House is an ability to say one thing when on one's feet and vote the opposite way a few minutes later. This is extraordinary. It appears to have been fostered and almost encouraged by the former Taoiseach in particular that one can say anything one wishes as long as one does the right thing when pressing the button or lining up in the voting lobbies. One can make fun of this and people write about it in newspapers to the effect that it is a bit of gas and so on, but if one thinks about it, it is a serious matter. While I do not wish to become too po-faced about this, the practice contributes to an added cynicism in respect of politics and politicians.