Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

In the light of this and to be helpful to Members on all sides of the House, I ask the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister for Finance who I do not believe has been here since the start of this Seanad term to talk to us about the implications of the instability in the European Union for Ireland. While things are changing on a daily basis, I would like to see a roadmap, if possible. I would also like the Minister to also talk to us about the bonus culture in this country. We read in the newspapers today that 84% of NAMA and NTMA staff received bonuses in the past year. That is a great number of people. Do we know how many are currently receiving bonuses from the State? It should be the policy not to pay bonuses until further notice. I would be grateful to the Deputy Leader, therefore, if she would invite the Minister for Finance to the House. We know he is doing an incredible job for the country, but it would be great to have him here to debate these matters.

Yesterday I sought a debate on education focusing on our vision for the education system. The Leader said he would seek to arrange such a debate in next term, but I had hoped we would be able to have it before the summer recess in view of the planning being undertaken for the new education year.