Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Keane and Mullins referred to betting tax relating to sport and how the money which accrues from this will be distributed. That matter will be discussed in the context of the Betting (Amendment) Bill, Committee Stage of which in the Dáil has been delayed as a result of the need to await observations from Europe. I am sure the Bill will be before the House early in the new year, as will the gambling control Bill. The issue of online gambling and the dangers associated with it will be debated at length in the context of both Bills.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the work of the Samaritans, a matter raised by Senator Naughton on Tuesday last. We commend those who volunteer with the Samaritans on the work they do. The Senator also outlined difficulties in respect of the appointment of members of the education and training boards, ETBs. I will certainly bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills. However, I am sure she is quite aware of the problems that exist. On education, I welcome the 70 major new school building projects, announced as part of the five-year plan, which are scheduled to proceed to construction in 2015. These will include 44 new primary schools, 11 extensions to existing primary schools, five new secondary schools, eight extensions to existing secondary schools and two new special schools. The Government intends to progress all of these projects in 2015 and beyond-----