Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be fair to the Taoiseach, irrespective of whatever else he has done, he has always worn the green and red of Mayo with pride. Like his Government colleagues, he is committed to multi-campus provision in the case of all institutes of technology but particularly GMIT. As I stated before to Senators Colm Burke, Rose Conway-Walsh, John O'Mahony, Michelle Mulherin and Keith Swanick who have raised the matter, it is important that all Mayo public representatives, irrespective of their political persuasion, work together to ensure GMIT will be back on a secure, sound financial footing and as a campus offering courses and places to students. That is why the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, has visited the campus and set up the working group. That is also why he has guaranteed a bright future for GMIT. As Senators know, the working group has met the students and staff and is working to ensure a positive outcome for everybody. As I said before, when the working group reports and we have the debate, Senators will see there that is a positive future for GMIT. I share their view that it should have a positive future.

I will be very happy to allow Senator Lynn Ruane's Private Members' business item to be taken next week. As she knows, the role of the Leader of the Seanad is not connected to that of the Bills Office. There will not be a refusal or reluctance on the Government side of the House to take the Private Members' Bill. I hope that, with the intercession of the Cathaoirleach and, perhaps, the Clerk of the Seanad, we can reach an accommodation to allow that to happen. I will not be blocking the taking of the Private Members' Bill next week.

I do not know how to answer Senators on the Fine Gael leadership election. Many Senators, including Senators Lynn Ruane, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Máire Devine and Paul Gavin, mentioned it. It is great to have another debate about Fine Gael in the Seanad. It is good that the Senators are talking about us because Fine Gael is the largest political organisation in the country.