Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I welcome the strong criticism by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, of the delay by the seven university presidents in bringing forward new proposals on the points system for third level admissions. The universities must get their act together on the matter without delay. Last September the college heads - all vocal critics of the leaving certificate and rote learning - promised to bring forward proposals for reform without delay, but nothing has happened to date. As King Lear said to his daughter Cordelia, "Nothing will come of nothing."