John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

I support those calling for a debate, prior to the budget, on the overall budgetary strategy. There were suggestions in this House last week that students were sleeping in cars. I understand Senator Buttimer undertook to investigate the veracity of these claims in Cork. Will he report to the House on his findings, as he said he would? I am sure he is diligent enough to have investigated the situation thoroughly.

I agree with Senator Healy Eames's comments regarding teachers. Several teachers have contacted me in the last week to say they are being forced to participate in strike action next week despite having no wish to do so. First, they do not want to neglect their students and, second, the financial consequences of losing a day's pay will be severe for some of them. We should ask the teaching unions to reconsider their position before next Tuesday. There are ways for unions to protest that will not be at the expense of students and members alike.