Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, too, echo the Cathaoirleach's contribution and that of Senator Lombard in relation to former Senator Paul Coghlan. Paul was an out-and-out gentleman. He was a super character. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I pass on our deepest sympathies to the Coghlan family at this sad and difficult time.

I also raise the issue of the leaving certificate higher maths paper, which students sat last Friday. As we all know, the leaving certificate is a very stressful time, not just for students but for their entire family. I have spoken to a number of young people who sat the higher maths paper last week. They came out of it shocked, as many did. They told me that many students were in tears and left the exam hall early.Something has clearly gone badly wrong. The question referred to was not touched on at all in the syllabus. That is difficult to understand. Someone in the State examination board needs to answer the question as to what went wrong. I have written to the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, to find out exactly what did happen. My main focus is on ensuring that whoever ends up correcting higher level maths paper 1 is sympathetic to the plight of those young students and that it will be reflected in the marks. I also suggest that Members of this House write to the Minister expressing those sentiments. It knocked the students back and shattered their confidence. As it is a stressful time, word should get out sooner rather than later with regard to the difficulty of that paper that first, it should not happen again and second, it should be taken into account when the paper is being marked.

The other issue is one I raised the week before last as a Commencement matter about retained firefighters. I called on all sides to come together to try to find a solution. I spoke with a number of firefighters in my own county of Monaghan. Today, as we speak, two of the fire stations are closed due to industrial action. Not one of these firefighters wants to be out picketing. That is not what they are about. They are providing a community service. They receive the paltry sum of €700 per month as a retainer. For that, they must live within 3 km of the fire station and be able to arrive at a call-out within five minutes. They are providing a service to the community. It is disappointing that we have arrived at a point where these people feel they have to go on strike. They do not want to be there. I again ask the Leader that we contact the Minister, to implore that all sides come to an agreement as soon as possible.