Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

First, I join in the congratulations and good wishes extended to Senator Dearey. His business experience will be a valuable addition in the real challenges Members face on economic issues. Senator Mary White has correctly pointed out that the focus should be on the 470,000 people who are unemployed and depending on these Houses to pursue policies that will provide some hope and confidence for the future. In that regard, I refer to the posturing in seeking an amendment to the Order of Business to have immediate debates on various issues. I would support a debate on banking which should take place at an opportune time as it is important. It is not simply the liquidity of the banks that will yield the necessary credit for small businesses. It has much to do with confidence within the banks which has been as affected, as have consumers and business people. This is a serious issue and the problem will continue until Ireland has addressed and turned away from the recession.

I regret the announcement by or diktat from the teachers' union to cease co-operation. On a personal level, students face highly difficult, challenging and stressful times during examination periods. They must get points to secure their futures in university. They must then worry about whether they will get jobs. Teachers who are among the highest paid in the OECD area and union officials on handsome six-figure sums should have some regard and not use students as pawns in the pursuit of blatant self-interest.