Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

It is good news that the Bank of Ireland had a queue of investors this week, but we must remember that it is only because of all the taxpayers' public money that has been poured in. Half of the €3 billion was raised by swapping preference shares for ordinary shares. That is an important clarification.

Senator Ó Brolcháin seems to speak in a vacuum and forgets that his party is in power. He is right to say it is a disgrace that raw sewage is being pumped into Galway Bay from Spiddal and Clifden. This threat to public health should be addressed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, who is leader of the Green Party.

We have many problems in this country, but I am particularly worried about the education budget. I do not know if everyone is aware of it but, for the first time in our history, 1 million of our citizens will be attending education from next September. A report in The Irish Times yesterday stated that higher education will cost us €4 billion next year owing to a surge of 55,000 students. It is costing us €2 billion as things stand, but where is the money? The Tánaiste has not attended this House since assuming her new portfolio. As Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Mary Coughlan should come to the House promptly and explain where next year's education budget is coming from. Anglo Irish Bank has received €22 billion of our money, which is three times last year's education budget. Is the Minister for Finance currently considering winding down Anglo Irish Bank? What will happen to all the public money from taxpayers that has been poured into that bank?

I support Senator Buttimer's call for a debate on the Croke Park deal. I support efficiencies and reform, but how can we expect public servants to vote for a renegotiation of their permanent contracts without knowing the terms and conditions? I am amazed that such a requirement is being asked of them.