Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Byrne seconded the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I believe I mentioned last week that when the Minister for Finance came into this House to discuss the banking sector, the Senator was one of those Members who suggested he was fooling himself by appearing here to deal with statements on the banking sector and that he should be introducing legislation instead. Consequently, this is a bit rich, coming from the Senator.

Senators Harte, Colm Burke and Mullen raised the issue of private schools. It is another question for the Minister for Education and Skills, who is not scheduled to appear here for a number of months. However, a number of items must be discussed and Members should have an informed debate with the full facts before them, on both sides of the fence, rather than jumping to conclusions on this issue. Members need to have a calm debate on the subject.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the Ombudsman for Children's report, which I note. On my way to Dublin this morning, I heard the ombudsman making some valid points on radio. As for the Senator's points regarding the IMF, irrespective of the bailout, we still have a ¤15 billion deficit, which must be and will be tackled by the Government. This will involve cutbacks in several areas.