Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Last night a gentlemen who came to see me here in the House asked me if I realised we were in war time and asked what happens during war time. When put starkly like that, one rethinks everything. At this juncture, we must guard our fundamentals where possible. For that reason, I believe strongly that employers, the source of our jobs, must not be made to pay further for absenteeism. I know we will have a debate this afternoon with the Minister for Social Protection and I am delighted with the level of interest this issue has raised. Perhaps it is the employee who should bear the burden of sick leave. We need to widen the debate. It should not be the employer or the State who should bear the burden.

Education is another fundamental it is important to protect. It is the driver of our economy and the key to personal growth. I am aware that many Members have sought a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills and I support that call. The proposal to cap student numbers is very worrying, particularly when the only choice our young people have is education or emigration. Education is a right, but it must be a right that is accessible and affordable. We must ensure we guard standards and provide a quality education. I am delighted with what the Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, said in the newspapers today, namely, that good teaching is about doing research, teaching and some community work. That is the type of lecturer we need and should support. I have concerns about the waste -----