Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Education and fee-paying schools were raised as well. As a schoolteacher for 16-odd years, I am happy to have a debate on education. Senator Devine referenced the report published today which showed that our school literacy and mathematics scores are improving. I would be happy to have a debate on the matter. As Senator Colm Burke noted, we are spending a record €21.2 billion on social protection to assist people, lift them out of poverty and give them a pathway into work within our communities and society.

Senator Colm Burke also referred to the Defence Forces. I support his proposal regarding a specific commission to deal with pay for members of the Defence Forces and the Naval Service. Senator McFadden has made that specific request before. Many people in this House would support Senator Colm Burke's comments regarding setting up a new structure.

Senator Nash raised the issue of school placements in Drogheda and east Meath. This issue was addressed by the former Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, in his emerging school needs programme. We need to look at this, as Senator Nash said, because of the huge increase in population in those areas. The Senator also made a pertinent point about the flat rate review by Revenue, the Tara mines workers and legitimate expenses. I would be happy to have a debate on that.

I have already addressed the issue raised by Senator Devine. We as a society need to have a real debate on the well-being issue she raised as well. I would be happy to have that debate.

I congratulate and thank Jim Gavin for his tenure as manager of the Dublin football team. He is someone we should all look up to as a role model. He never lost his cool or his way, and never came across as being excessive in any way. I congratulate and thank him for his dedication and I thank his family for the sacrifices they made. I wish the new Dublin football manager well, though we cannot wish them complete success.

Senators Ó Céidigh and Bacik referred to migrants, work visas and the spouse or partner visa. We need to have a real look at that because those issues need to be addressed.

I did not see the motions to which Senator Ó Donnghaile referred in Belfast City Council but I would be happy to have a debate on the matters he raised in the future.