Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Given the cutbacks in third level education and the difficulties experienced by universities in terms of coping with increased student numbers, we need to consider a proposed cap while being mindful of the serious consequences it would have for the many thousands of students seeking to get onto courses.

I join with others in calling for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, which it is hoped will take place during the next couple of weeks. We need during the course of that debate to look at issues other than Syria, including Gaza in the context of the recent MV Saoirse trip to Gaza and the Israeli State's actions in that regard, which I am sure Members on both sides of the House condemn.

Following the resignation this week of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. James Hamilton, we need a debate on crime and the difficulties with prosecuting banking crime and crime in the financial services sector. The DPP made some interesting and important comments in the course of his retirement which need to be reflected upon. I would welcome a debate in this House on that issue.