Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Bacik also raised the issue of climate change talks. I am sure the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, will be willing and welcome to come to the House to discuss the matter during the new year.

Senator van Turnhout spoke about the painful process of adjustment. It is a painful process and the Senator will have an opportunity to make her remarks when the House hears the Budget Statement today.

Senators Mullen and Norris spoke of a debate on media standards and the privacy Bill. I will inquire as to when that Bill will be taken. This will not happen before Christmas but I am sure it will happen in the new year. I shall return to the Senators on that.

Senators Healy Eames and Byrne and others spoke about education and schools. As Senator Healy Eames stated, the protection of the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level and in disadvantaged secondary schools has been maintained as per the commitment given. There is no reduction in the numbers of special needs assistants and resource teachers working in the education system which must be welcomed, especially in view of what many people stated in this regard in recent months.