Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Bradford that we must condemn any expansionist aims by Russia in Ukraine but it was not Russia that destabilised the country. I have spoken to people in the Euromaidan who told me that they have lost faith in Ukrainian politics, both the government and the opposition. We need to support the reasonable efforts of the EU and all those who seek new free and fair elections in the Ukraine and we must impose economic sanctions on those who do not co-operate in that regard. I do not want us to return to war in Europe and, therefore, I do not encourage President Obama to enter the region with American armed forces, for example. I ask everyone to listen to the voice of reason. I have spoken to Ukranian parliamentarians who do not speak to each other and told them that in Ireland we know only too well what happens when politics breaks down. The Ukranians need to get together now to sort out the problem themselves.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to attend here. I have already requested such a meeting to discuss the new junior cycle reform plan. It puts children at the heart of the education system and makes them the main agents in their education with its emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science. I agree with Senator Eamonn Coghlan that physical education leads to good mental health which is most important.