Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

Last week we asked and the Leader undertook to try to arrange a debate on the EU summit and European affairs in general. However, I notice it is not on the schedule for this week. Will the Leader update us on the matter? We all believe it is crucial we have a proper debate in the House. As I said last week, we will not insist on a Minister attending but a debate needs to take place. We all have concerns about the substantial increase in the numbers of the long-term unemployed announced yesterday and the fact that the growth forecast announced in the budget has been further reduced.

Ireland and the European Union are facing a difficult time and having listened to and read some of the reports on the EU summit, most believe the result falls way short of what is required to solve the European problem. The issues of sovereign and banking debt have not been dealt with, nor has the role of the ECB in how the European Union will operate. Will the Leader clarify the position? In one of yesterday's reports it was mentioned that President Sarkozy expected a treaty to be ratified by March, but the Taoiseach has said he is seeking legal advice from the Attorney General and awaiting the draft terms of the treaty and that the issue will be revisited in March.

When can we expect to receive advice on when and if a referendum will be held? It seems obvious to me and others that a referendum will be required on the fiscal control pact, in particular, on which it is important we have a substantial debate. Therefore, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business which I will withdraw if the Leader commits to holding a debate on the issue, that we have a debate today on the European summit and its implications for this country. I will not insist on Minister attending the debate, if it is not considered appropriate for him to do so.

I ask that early in the new year we have a full debate on education. I heard with interest that Senator Conway was raising on the Adjournment the teaching of European languages at primary school level, as the programme for the 500 participating schools had been cancelled.

I also have a question for the Deputy Leader, Senator Ivana Bacik. Last week when speaking on the budget, her colleague, Deputy Aodhán Ó Riordáin, stated: "I was heartened to see that the Minister protected the enhanced DEIS school grant and that it will not be reduced in line with the basic capitation reduction." One week later he was seeking an extremely urgent meeting with the Minister for Education and Skills because DEIS schools, our most disadvantaged, were being affected drastically by severe cuts. This is has come in under the radar. Our most disadvantaged schools are only now realising that their resources will be drastically cut. I understand time is precious over the next week but we need a full debate on education, both on the languages side and on how our disadvantaged schools will be resourced into the next year, as soon as possible.