Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the new Ministers every success in their posts and thank the departing Ministers, Deputies Pat Rabbitte and Jimmy Deenihan, for the courtesy they have shown in this House. I join Senator Ivana Bacik in welcoming the appointment of former President, Mary Robinson, to the role of UN Special Envoy on Climate Change.

I welcome the fact that the 12 July celebrations in the North passed off peacefully. I hope the House will redouble its efforts to promote harmony among the traditions on this shared island. What has happened in recent days gives cause for great hope.

Will the Leader invite the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House for a debate on the recent report by the Higher Education Authority on third level dropout rates? It would give a welcome opportunity to meet the new Minister and discuss policy matters, with a focus on the need for inclusiveness.