Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Acting Leader ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he intends to sign the commencement order for the Further Education and Training Act 2013? It is important it is commenced as soon as possible in light of the cut of €45 to unemployment benefit for young people in the budget. It is also important that the proper moneys are given for training courses to be provided for those vulnerable young people affected by this cut, as per the Government’s policy, and that they are not forced to emigrate.

I agree with Senator O’Donnell on the €405 million the Government will realise from the sale of the national lottery licence which I regard as an important national asset. While the money is welcome, we got a bad deal. Some €405 million over 20 years is not an acceptable amount of money. While it is portrayed by the Government as a good price, I do not believe it is and we should be looking to get more for this important national asset.