Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I wish to ask about the treaty on stability, co-ordination and governance in the EMU to which the Government has signed up. Some 25 of the 27 member states have signed up to it. Will the Leader afford time early next week for a debate on the treaty in this Chamber? A sufficient amount of time should be allocated to do so.

Will the Government commit to undertaking a public information campaign on what it has signed up to, even pending receipt of advice from the Attorney General? We understand the Taoiseach has said the treaty has formally been sent to the Attorney General for her advice, but I am certain that she and her office have been involved in giving advice up to now. It appears the Government does not want to hold a referendum. My position and that of my party is that we should bring the people along with these significant EU changes. We are and always have been a pro-Europe party and I do not envisage that changing but, at the very least, our people should be aware of what the Government has signed up to on their behalf. Will the Government consider holding a referendum on the matter regardless of the Attorney General's advice? The draft treaty places strict fiscal controls on Ireland and it is only right and proper that our citizens get an opportunity to know what the treaty contains and to have a say on it. Fianna Fáil will seek legal advice on the matter. It would be appropriate to seek an early debate on the treaty.

My party has circulated a motion, to be considered for cross-party support, calling on the Government to extend an official invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Ireland in an official capacity this year. I ask that all Senators take the time to consider our motion and I hope that the House agrees to it.

Today and tomorrow, the Dáil will debate changes in respect of small, rural and minority-faith schools. Many Members on the Government side are most uncomfortable with these changes. At the very least, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, should review this matter as he did in respect of DEIS schools. Months ago, I was one of the first to mention the fact that 25% of the schools to be affected were minority-faith schools. I have attended three meetings held by Church of Ireland schools that will lose teachers and permanent learning supports. Since it is not the Government's intention to discriminate against minorities in the Republic, it should reverse a decision that will have an astonishingly negative impact on small Gaeltacht, minority-faith and rural schools.

Next week, my party will use Private Members' time to address this matter, but Members on the Leader's side of the House have asked that time be afforded to the Minister, who will attend the Chamber this afternoon to address legislation, to discuss this important issue in a non-partisan manner. Many Government Members view the decision as a mistake. That is fine, but a problem should not be exacerbated by continuing with a failed policy that discriminates against rural communities and minority-faith schools.

Will the Leader allow time for a proper debate on this matter next week? Given that it was not the Government's intention to discriminate, now is the time to change its decision.