Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Leader has allocated 90 minutes to the debate this evening on the review of county councils. He will be aware that I have an amendment to that motion. I seek reassurance from him that the amendment will be taken and that I will not be subjected to the nonsense of us running out of time before I get an opportunity to speak.

I agree with Senator Bacik. What has happened today regarding physiotherapists and physical therapists is a tremendous step forward for which I compliment the Minister for Health.I also ask Members to meet with the Teachers Union of Ireland in Buswell's Hotel regarding the establishment of technological universities. During a meeting last week of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection a noted academic of high esteem asked why we need 16 universities in Ireland and what has happened to level 6 and level 7 qualifications that they are being downgraded?

There has been much talk about cronyism, particularly in the context of the appointment of Mr. David Begg as chairman of the Pensions Board. I am categorically of the view that David Begg is the correct person for the job. I am delighted he was appointed to that post. He has represented the working class people of this country for many years and has done a great job in that regard. I know that Mr. Begg is himself unhappy about the manner in which he was appointed and would have been preferred if there had been an interview process before-----