Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I seek a debate and action as a matter of urgency regarding the practice of upward only rent reviews, which has crept in. This practice is threatening jobs in Wilton shopping centre in my city of Cork and, as Senator Mooney said, many sole traders are struggling and there are major issues regarding their survival. This practice is bad and legislation needs to be amended or enacted to bring about change whereby people who are doing business can operate and trade in an environment which is competitive and which will allow them to survive and create jobs.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business and call for the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House to discuss two issues - the student support Bill and special needs education. Last night I was appalled by his response to Senator Healy Eames prior to the debate on special education needs commencing properly-----