Mary Moran (Labour)

I echo Senator Brennan's acknowledgement that this is National Volunteering Week, which again highlights the excellent work and service performed by volunteers nationwide both this week and in every week of the year. I note that regional finals for the Special Olympics will take place in Navan next weekend and as a parent of someone who is able to participate in those games simply and solely because of the support of volunteer services, I thank all volunteers throughout the country who have made such huge improvements and provide such a service to those who are most in need.

I also welcome the announcement yesterday by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, that €39.7 million is to be spent on the construction of new facilities and the refurbishment of existing amenities at St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra. I was delighted to learn such a major investment in the future of education and our future teachers will take place. Originally, St. Patrick's College was built to accommodate 800 students but at present, 2,000 students study at the college. Consequently, these new and upgraded facilities are both welcome and urgently needed. The Minister already has announced changes to the content and length of teacher training courses, with greater emphasis to be placed on teaching skills, literacy and numeracy and St. Patrick's College now will be able to incorporate its new teaching facility into future education strategies. I also welcome the addressing of the issue of accessibility for disabled persons in the construction of the aforementioned new facilities.