Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The material is good, if the weather allows it.

The greatest and most important challenge for us in the House is to create equality of opportunity and a level playing field for each of our citizens. Two recent initiatives have considerable potential in this regard. One is the book scheme from the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley's Department. I do not have the full details of the scheme, but I understand it gives €96 towards the provision of books. This is a significant advance. The second important initiative, which comes from the Department of my ministerial constituency colleague, Deputy Humphreys, will see every child in school receiving a hot meal. The Cathaoirleach is a teacher and there are a number of other teachers in the room. One of the best old-style teachers I ever knew was brilliant and turned out great results. He told me that he could not teach people if they had not had proper food and a night's sleep. This is why hot meals are crucial.

I am raising these matters for two reasons. The first is to welcome them but, more importantly, I am asking for a debate on the schemes' logistics so that we can be assured such logistics are in place, particularly where the hot meals scheme is concerned. Could the relevant Ministers attend to explain the position and when they foresee the schemes being implemented? Achieving them in the country's schools will be a large logistical task, so we need to consider their implementation.

The next great challenge - perhaps we could incorporate all of this into the one debate – facing us is making enough provision in our schools for people with autism. I gather from people who approach me that the level of provision for autism is not yet at acceptable levels. I would like to achieve that next, having achieved in terms of hot meals, books and the phenomenal two years of preschool education. Giving every citizen in society an equal chance is a challenge facing the Seanad. These initiatives are crucial to that. As an Oireachtas, we need to supervise their implementation so that we know they are happening and what the plans are to make them happen.