Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. This is a Seanad Bill which has been amended by the Dáil. In accordance with Standing Order 118, it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in the Seanad and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. On the question, "That the Bill be received for final consideration," the Minister may explain the purpose of the amendments made by the Dáil. This is looked upon as the report of the Dáil amendments to the Seanad. For the convenience of Senators, I have arranged for the printing and circulation of the amendments to them. There are also four amendments tabled to the Bill, as passed by Dáil Éireann. They relate to the text of the Bill which was changed by the amendments made by the Dáil. I propose to allow the Minister to explain the changes made by the Dáil. The House will then consider the four amendments to the Bill, as passed by Dáil Éireann. Is that agreed? Agreed.

In the context of the amendments made by the Dáil, I am suggesting seven groupings which are based on the subject matter of the amendments. The Minister will deal separately with the subject matter of the amendments in each group. Senators may contribute once only on each grouping. I remind them that the only matters which may be discussed are the amendments made by the Dáil. I call on the Minister to speak on the subject matter of the amendments in group 1.