Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

-----children to enjoy books and to read more. Figures suggest that one in five students in this country leaves secondary school at the age of 15. One of the main reasons for that is the literacy problem. Approximately 500,000 Irish people have such problems. That is why it is important to support this endeavour. We have to recognise the good work that is done by libraries in Dublin and other counties. The people of County Meath are very proud of the excellent library service there. Children can go to libraries to borrow and read books, or to sit and study in quiet conditions. It is vital to give libraries the facilities they need to retain quality standards.

Yesterday saw the passing of a former leader of the UK Labour Party, Michael Foot. He had a very full and long life and he achieved a lot. He helped to establish the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. He was an inspirational speaker. He had a long-time interest in Ireland. I heard him speak when I was in college in Dublin in the early 1980s. He was an outstanding politician and an example to us all. If the current generation of politicians can reach his age and be as well respected across the political spectrum, we will have achieved something. Michael Foot will be long remembered by the international labour movement.