Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I ask the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House as a matter of urgency because there is a significant deficit in the Government's education policy. More children are leaving school unable to read and write properly. There is a question mark against grades at third level and the awarding of degrees. It is important, therefore, that we have a debate on education.

I join Senator Fitzgerald, in particular, in asking for a debate on the future of politics. There is a chasm between those of us who are practising politicians and the public. We are held in such low esteem that it is not worth saying. The people are tired of the gravy train and the way in which we are perceived which is unfair in many ways. However, in many cases, we have brought this perception upon us ourselves. I welcome the new regime being put in place today. It is the case that 99.9% of Members in this House are honourable, decent people. If there are people in politics to make money, they should resign and get out. We are here to serve the people, to advocate on behalf of the political party to which we belong and the common good.

I ask for a debate on the future funding of sport. I have asked for such a debate on numerous occasions. Many sports clubs and community organisations are suffering as a consequence of the freezing of the sports capital programme. I seek a debate on the issue which would also include a consideration of the swimming pools programme which seems to have got lost completely in the new Minister's briefcase. I certainly hope it will be rescued and not drowned.