Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was present, like others, for the two-hour debate yesterday evening with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and his Minister of State. Excellent suggestions were made on all sides of the House. Fianna Fáil proposed that we would raise the issue during the first week of the session in the new year in order that the Minister can update us on what progress has been made on housing those who need emergency accommodation. Other issues were raised during the debate, which will take longer to deal with, for example, the supports that can be offered to people before they find themselves homeless, and they are worth considering. It was an enlightening debate and I welcome the Minister of State's commitment to return to the House during the first week following the Christmas recess to update us on what progress has been made in this regard.

Like Senator Craughwell, I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House. January is fast approaching and teachers intend to strike again if progress is not made on the reform of the junior certificate. Will the Leader use his good offices to bring the Minister to the House to ensure we have an open debate on how progress could be made in this regard and to avoid 350,000 students being subjected to another one-day strike in January?