Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Some 50 years ago the late great Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, was Minister for Education and at that time class sizes, on average, were 47. We have come a long way since then in reducing class sizes to 27 today.

Senator Ellis welcomed the Minister for Transport's intervention to notify all county and city managers of the need to grit the roads, particularly those in the midlands that were seriously affected by weather conditions during the past four or five days. The condition of the roads there made it extremely difficult for motorists, with 5 mph being the speed at which they could travel. I had experience of that on some mornings this week. I thank the Minister for his intervention in this respect. The Senator also called for debate on transport and infrastructure, for which I have no difficulty in setting aside time.

Senator Hanafin requested that inquiries be made of the Standards in Public Office Commission in regard to its work, particularly on whether any funding from outside the State was made available to Libertas to fight its campaign in the referendum. I will pass on the Senator's strong views to the Standards in Public Office Commission after the Order of Business.

The Senator also raised the issue of the publication of articles in newspapers that are not in good taste for their readers and do not show respect for the people of Ireland. I share his view on that matter.

Senator Regan spoke about his Bill that failed to pass Second Stage in the House last night when it was defeated by 33 votes to 12. The Minister pointed out here last night, and I was present when he spoke, that while he welcomed the Bill, there were aspects of it that were flawed. The principle underpinning it was welcomed in general by all Members, but in its current form, it could not have been accepted and neither was it.

Senators Bacik, Leyden and Norris expressed serious concerns about the welfare of Ms Pamela Izevbekhai and her children. I have made known my views concerning them to the House. I hope that please God everything will work out okay for them.

Senator Keaveney raised the issue — she included Senator Wilson in her remarks as he has previously raised it — of the ban on party pills that is to be introduced by March and called for the Minister responsible to ensure this is done, if possible, prior to Christmas. We would all support the Senator's call for that to happen.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the VAT differential between the North and South. I believe the Senator was incorrect in the differential rate he gave, the VAT differential is6.5%, given that the rate is 15% in the North and 21.5% here