Joe O'Toole (Independent)

-----and it is going to get worse. Teaching and teachers have not changed. However, the outcomes are different for this reason. We provide community-type education, of which everyone is in favour, where all children are educated together in the same classrooms, regardless of whether they have special needs, are of another nationality, from Traveller groups and so on. Previously such children would have been tested at a different location, but they are now part of the system and, as such, the norm has been reduced. This will continue to happen unless the issues involved are addressed. I would, therefore, welcome a debate on education. I regret that I have been only able to address the issue with one-liners, but that is the reality.

Yesterday afternoon at both gates of Leinster House members of the Garda Síochána were given a torrid time by demonstrators. For more than a quarter of a century I have been involved in organising demonstrations outside the gates of Leinster House and various other places. There is a clear procedure in this regard, namely, that one contacts the local Garda station to discuss how the demonstration will proceed. Article 46.1 of the Constitution makes it clear that there may be legislation to govern such events. That legislation is the Offences Against the State Act 1939 which, among other things, requires anyone organising a demonstration to contact the local Garda station which can given certain advice. It goes on to state that should this not happen, any member of the Garda Síochána can call upon persons taking part in such a meeting to disperse. Did this not happen yesterday. I support the right of citizens to demonstrate. However, there are public servants - members of the Garda Síochána - to protect our democracy and there are parties inside the Houses who appear to give passive support to such activity which is undermining our democracy. Last night the gates of Leinster House were closed for a couple of hours, preventing cars and people from entering and leaving. This sends a strong message. If people believe they can stop the process of democracy, it will be a bad day for all of us. I compliment the Garda Síochána and staff of Leinster House on their work. Let us support the right to demonstrate but also make it clear that there are rules governing demonstrations, just as there are rules governing every other right under the Constitution. I would like to see the Garda Síochána being urged to ensure the relevant legislation, the Offences Against the State Act 1939, is given effect.