Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

That is not a point of order. It is only courteous to inform the Leader if one is leaving the House and cannot return after raising a point.

Senator O'Brien referred to the funding of education. I mentioned yesterday that the Higher Education Authority, HEA, submitted a report to the Minister on Monday last. The Minister needs time to examine it. When the HEA publishes its report, we can debate it. The question of education has practically dominated the Order of Business today. I will certainly allow a debate on it, in addition to a focused debate on various aspects thereof. It is needed. In fairness to the Minister for Education and Skills, he has been in the House on several occasions and is willing to come to the House to debate the issues Members have raised. He will continue to come to the House.

On pledges, I will not refer to those made prior to the election. However, the pledge that Fianna Fáil signed with the troika will certainly cost the people much more than other pledges made.