Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader.

I thank Kfm, my local radio station, for its excellent service in public broadcasting and bringing issues of concern to all our ears. This morning, I learned through Kfm that there was a cancellation of midwifery services in the primary care centre in Athy. Many expectant mums were given less than 24 hours’ notice and were told that they would have to travel to Portlaoise hospital for subsequent services.

Maternity services are hugely important. It is a sensitive and happy time for many. It is also challenging. We have to protect them. Athy has a large population. That these services would be cancelled literally overnight is simply wrong. I ask that this be brought to the attention of the Minister for Health. I will be tabling a Commencement matter next week on it.

I also raise the issue of DEIS. We all know that DEIS is meant to reduce educational disadvantage and promote equity across our schools. Of course, equity is different from equality and it is important that we try to promote it. The success of this programme has been clear. Schools in the programme have significantly closed the gap with non-DEIS schools.

There was an OECD report last July in which the resourcing of schools to address educational disadvantage was reviewed. Ireland got an excellent score. It was found that we had an educational system that consistently outperformed many other countries and also established socioeconomic fairness. While that is good, many schools are left out of the programme. I think particularly of Scoil Na Naomh Uilig in Newbridge, which is the largest and newest school and has the most socioeconomic challenges, yet it has been left out of the past two schemes. There is a situation in Edenderry and other parts of the country where there is a girls primary school and a boys primary school but only one of the schools is in the DEIS scheme. It is important that we ask the Minister for education for a new plan. I note the programme for Government committed to a new DEIS plus scheme and to expanding the home school community liaison co-ordinator. We also need more flexibility to support schools in addressing problems as they arise. I would like to see a debate on the DEIS scheme with the Minister for education.

The last thing I wish to ask for a debate on is the EU-UK summit, which happened on 19 May. We are led to believe it was progressive. There are two issues in terms of co-operation, those being, fisheries and energy. The present plans are finishing next year. It is important we have a debate in the House on that summit with the Minister.