Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I would like to speak about the dumbing down of education. The scandalous reduction in the salaries of teachers at the point of entry is reducing the status of teaching. As a former teacher, I suggest this measure is a blow to the pride of the profession.

If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, I will conclude by mentioning a local issue. I have raised the Shannon LNG project on several occasions in this House. The project will create 500 jobs and guarantee energy security for years to come. It seems that the two Ministers involved cannot agree how much progress has been made. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, knows all about the red tape that is involved. If we were in government at the moment, the howling would be heard from here to Timbuctoo. I appeal to the Minister to do something about the project before it goes to some other country.