Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I am not. I am supporting the proposal but not saying I want the debate to happen. If there is to be a debate, that is up to the Leader to decide.

One of the great dilemmas facing the Minister for Education and Skills is that along with the 850,000 pupils in primary and post primary schools, an additional 70,000 children are due to join the system. Senator Ó Clochartaigh and others are aware of the grave problems the Department has in balancing the books as it tries to deal with an increase in the numbers of children. It is an almost impossible task, which I ask him to bear in mind.