Mary Moran (Labour)

I wish to raise again the issue of symphysiotomy, in respect of which the Walsh report has been published. I remind those women subjected to this procedure that meetings on this issue are ongoing throughout the country, including in Cork today, Drogheda tomorrow and Dublin on 19 July. Professor Walsh is eager to speak with the surviving women of this procedure. It is important all victims and survivors of symphysiotomy have their voices heard. As such, they should attend meetings and discuss their issues with Professor Walsh so that they can bring closure to this dreadful situation.

The National Competitiveness Council's report highlights Ireland's under-achievement in mathematics. According to that report, Ireland is ranked 32nd among the 65 OECD countries, which is a huge decline since 2003. I welcome the comment by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, on "Morning Ireland" this morning that he is currently consulting with universities on changes to the points system. However, he also reiterated that any reform will take five to ten years to implement. I call on the Leader to ensure that everybody is fully briefed on this issue and that people have the opportunity to consult with the Minister. It is important that the teaching profession in particular, who are the people at the coalface, is allowed to have its say. I welcome the Government's commitment to literacy and numeracy education in primary schools, in respect of which teaching training colleges now provide four years teacher training, which will go a long way towards ensuring improved literacy and numeracy skills training for young trainee teachers and, it is hoped, our pupils.