Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I identify completely with every word the Cathaoirleach, as a good friend of the late Paul Coghlan, has spoken, as well as the words of all of my colleagues. Paul Coghlan was a true gentleman. He had a huge interest in the law, something most people are not aware of. He spent a lot of time in judges' chambers and sitting in courts with judges. He loved the company of lawyers and brought that interest into all of his dealings in the House.

I agree with Senator Lombard on the leaving certificate honours maths paper. It is a terrible thing to do to kids. Somebody should take the rap for that. We cannot decide to do something to people who are under huge stress. When teachers saw the paper and were strong in their condemnation of it, it should have been obvious to the State examinations service how wrong that was.

On firefighters, I want to simply say that, as the Leader will be aware, this is part of a general malaise in Ireland whereby those who volunteer to serve the country are taking a hammering. The Garda Reserve is down to a quarter of its strength. The Army Reserve is way down to a pitiful level and Civil Defence numbers have gone down by more than half in the past few years. This group of people who give voluntarily part of the time for a very modest stipend deserve to be treated better.

On a good note, I recommend to all Members of the House to look back on the Tony Connelly programme last night produced by RTÉ. It was an amazing programme. It was really instructive and provided lot of food for thought.