Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in expressing concern at the pace of the investigation into certain practices at the Irish Family Planning Association. I raised this issue in the House last November when it first became clear that there was worrying evidence of dangerous advice and encouragement being given to women to provide incorrect information to their doctors which could adversely affect their health. I understood at that stage that an investigation was to take place. In his reply to the parliamentary question by Deputy Terence Flanagan, the Minister referred to an ongoing audit. What is required, however, is not an audit but a proper investigation that will provide clear answers. We cannot have State-sponsored organisations giving advice to people which could potentially damage their health.

I support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business calling on the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss the latest cuts to the education budget. It is not the first time the Government has persisted in focusing on the most vulnerable in its efforts to reduce spending. We are now presented with further cuts to the budget for resource teachers, with the suggestion that only 75% of the recommended allocation will be granted. Surely it is within the capability of the Minister to identify where people are better placed to sustain cuts rather than continuing to place the burden on those who are most vulnerable and most in need of State assistance in terms of resource hours and assistance in the education system? It beggars belief that any Minister sitting around the Cabinet table would stand over these types of cuts. It surely must be possible to identify areas better placed to sustain further cuts.