Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I strongly support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business by Senator O'Toole and seconded by Senator Donohoe. We recognise the importance of education. Some 70,000 people gave voice to their concerns about this matter in Dublin recently and we cannot continue to ignore it. I do not think it is the Leader's intention to ignore it, but I strongly support what Senator O'Toole said. I also strongly support the points made by Senators O'Toole, Norris and others on the proposed absence of an Order of Business on Friday. It beggars belief that an Order Paper is produced without an Order of Business. As well as being inconsistent, it is demeaning to this House. I would not like to think that is the Leader's intention, however, because he has been a loyal servant of the House for many years. Let us get this right. Nobody wants to be disruptive; we want to be constructive in all the matters we are dealing with.

I also agree with the comments of Senators Coffey and Donohoe on crime and I support their call for a debate on that issue. I also welcome the debate we will have today on the recall of Irish pork and bacon products. It concerns the absence of inspections of the premises at the source of this crisis.