Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I am defending the record of the Fine Gael Party regarding public service. The remarks this afternoon by Senators on the public service are indicative of the fact that we have, through this Government, divided public and private sector workers. Shame on the Leader's Government for doing that.

I ask the Leader for a debate on education. Single-handedly the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, has created chaos, dismay and despair and he has axed 1,000 jobs. He has created the difficulties we have today, with young teachers finding it difficult to get jobs. I sympathise with school principals who have to make choices as regards getting replacement substitute cover. It is the Leader's Government that has done this.

I ask for a debate on the role of politics and politicians in Irish society. It is time for such a debate in the context of political reform and as regards the type of politics and governance we want to see. The people are crying out for change. They are unhappy with the regime that is in place and I would like that debate as a matter of urgency.