Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leis na mílte gnáthdhaoine - daltaí, tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí - a tháinig aníos go Teach Laighin aréir chun léirsiú i gcoinne na ciorruithe oideachais. Ba mhaith liom impí ar lucht an Fhreasúra, go háirithe iad siúd a bhfuil aon tionchar acu ar an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna, cur ina loighe ar an Aire go dteastaíonn uathu aird a tharraingt ar na ceisteanna a bhí á ardú ag na léirsitheoirí aréir. I commend the thousands of people who came to Leinster House last night to protest against the education cuts that are being introduced. I ask all Members of the Opposition to do whatever they can to ask the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, to reverse the cuts he proposes to introduce.

I also welcome the fact that the Leader told us yesterday that he is willing to consider having a debate on Northern Ireland issues and the way that state is run.

I seek clarification on the other issue I raised on the possibility of extending an invitation to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to come to speak to us in this House. It would be a momentous occasion of great symbolism and significance. It might be one the media would cover if both Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness were to speak to this House. It was intimated prior to the Christmas break that it might happen. I would welcome clarity on whether an invitation has been sent yet or if it is the intention of the Leader to send an invitation and what kind of timescale he is thinking about.