Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate all involved in the release of Fr. Michael Sinnott. At this time we should recognise, not only Fr. Sinnott and the Trojan work he has done but also the work of all missionaries, both religious and lay people, around the world. There have been a number of persons kidnapped and released in the recent past who have done tremendous work.

I support the idea of holding a debate on mental health and would like the concept behind music therapy to be incorporated in that debate because it is still an issue that one can obtain qualifications in Ireland but they are not recognised. It is pertinent in dealing with the issue of mental health as well as in a number of other medical conditions.

As we celebrate Science Week, I draw the Leader's attention to the fact that there has been a rise of 8% in the number taking up science subjects, which shows the success of the Government strategy. It is important that we promote the idea that science has multiple applications in respect of job opportunities and that when students finish the junior certificate and move towards the leaving certificate they should be confident in putting all their eggs in one basket by opting for biology, chemistry and physics, rather than biology, one of the language courses and one of the art subjects on offer to keep their options open. We have a role to play in saying there are many job opportunities in the science field and I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to come before the House to discuss the matter. On the development of websites, there is an interactive website in Britain which shows, for example, that while many want to be a beautician, somebody must produce the make-up required. There are opportunities that people sometimes do not see. The television programme "Crime Scene Investigation" and the CSI exposition in the Ambassador Theatre are doing as much as Science Week and the Young Scientist competition. We must keep that focus to provide the entrepreneurs of the future. I, therefore, ask for a debate on the matter that would link in with the debate held on Thursday last on skills needs.