Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

In the light of the unemployment figures and the tough times in this country, I must query the fairness of the payment of increments to anyone, particularly in the semi-State sector and the State-owned banks. We need a debate on the issue as early as possible in the new year because we must proceed, where possible and in so far as we can, with fairness. I would like to extend the debate to the Croke Park agreement to receive an update on how we are doing in the implementation of reforms. I agree with the protection of pay under the agreement, but I would like to debate how services will manage in the light of the moratorium and in the context of the retirement deadline at the end of February. We need to tie these elements together.

I support calls for a debate on education, particularly in the light of the effect on career guidance provision. I would like to see the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, address this point in the Chamber. I expect he is very supportive of DEIS schools because I know of his commitment to disadvantaged areas.

I support the call for a debate on European affairs and commend the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton——