Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Hundreds of newly qualified teachers are seeking an opportunity to complete the probation period to allow them to become fully qualified. This can be done in the course of one school year. However, posts are not available and the teachers in question are unable to do so. A way forward was found last December when the then Department of Education and Science issued a circular to all schools indicating that the FÁS work placement programme could be used to enable newly qualified teachers to complete up to nine months' probation. A problem has arisen, however, because the unions are blocking the proposal. While schools may be willing to apply for a placement, the unions have not given their blessing to the proposal. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to come before the House to discuss how this problem will be solved. It is unfair that newly qualified teachers are being prevented from completing the professional qualification required in the classroom.

Senators have been requesting that the Minister for Education and Skills come before the House since before the summer recess. The issue of probation is only one of many issues they wish to discuss with him. I want him to make a ruling on the issue of probation to ensure teachers will be able to become fully qualified to teach in the classroom. It is great that a way forward has been found. Newly qualified teachers cannot risk emigrating because they are not yet fully qualified to teach abroad and, in the event that they take up a post abroad, they must return to Ireland within two years. They are caught in all directions. I look forward to a debate with the Minister on the issue.

I ask that the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the position in Galway University Hospital which is on a knife edge. As many as 38 patients were lying on trolleys in the hospital over the weekend. I ask that the Minister outline his timeframe for the roll-out of primary health care services in the community to shift the balance from the hospital to the community. While I am aware the Government inherited a financial mess from its predecessor, we must examine how we can make the best of current circumstances. The House requires an update on the position.