Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

When will this Chamber have a debate on rural schools? I have requested it for the past two weeks. This evening and tomorrow the Dáil will have a comprehensive debate on a motion and on a Government amendment to a Private Members' motion on small primary schools. We are trying to be relevant to the lives of Irish people so let us debate it here in a reasoned way with the Minister. Small schools are under threat as are Gaelscoileanna and rural DEIS schools. We need to debate the impact of Government policy on our children's education and on our communities. It is more than likely the Minister will be here this afternoon to speak on the Education (Amendment) Bill but this will not allow for the debate that is needed. I am concerned because I have called for this debate for two weeks. I tabled two Adjournment matters last week but neither was taken. This is not right. Tomorrow evening a large protest will take place outside Leinster House. We are a responsible Government so let us act responsibly on this important issue. I look forward to hearing the Leader's reply.