Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will find out for Senator Diarmuid Wilson whether the President has signed the Education and Training Boards Bill.

Senator Jim Walsh referred to the level of waste in the public service. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, is doing an excellent job in addressing that issue.

Senator Michael D'Arcy called for a review of DEIS status for schools. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, who will come to the House soon for a debate on a number of items.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the filling of consultant vacancies and the problems in that regard. As he stated, the matter is being discussed by the Joint Committee on Health and Children, as is the position of junior doctors. I hope the committee will issue a report which we can debate in the House.