Averil Power (Fianna Fail)

On the basis of the assurances given by the Minister to the House today and on Committee Stage, we are prepared to support the aspect of the Bill under discussion. It is critical that there be real partnership in education. I welcome the fact that, in addition to the assurances the Minister gave us last week, he stated specifically today that the teachers' conciliation council will be used, which is really important, and that there will be real consultation with the patron bodies. There are genuine concerns, and issues will arise, and we all need an effective and reasonable way to deal with them. I welcome the Minister's assurances in that regard.

On a point of order, I wish to clarify whether this debate will be guillotined at 4.45 p.m. Will we get an opportunity to vote on amendments other than Government amendments that the Minister indicated previously he is willing to accept? What is the procedure to allow for those amendments to be taken on board? The Minister indicated he would accept the amendment on retired teachers.