I call Deputy McDonald on the Order of Business.

I wish to contribute on the Order of Business.

My apologies.

We are facing industrial action in our second level schools. Irrespective of what has been said, the Minister for Education and Skills has threatened to sack teachers if they do not abide by the Haddington Road agreement. I would question the constitutionality of treating teachers differently in the staff room in terms of pay and conditions on the basis of the union to which they belong. That is something that needs urgent clarification. I urge the Taoiseach and the Minister not to continue to undermine the professional status of our teachers. Morale is very low in the classroom.

The workplace relations Bill, which is to provide for reform of statutory workplace relations bodies, is a commitment by the Government in the programme for Government. Given the manner in which Haddington Road was carried out and the relationship between the Minister and the ASTI in particular - we know many side deals were done and divide-and-conquer strategies used, which have left many people sore - I respectfully suggest that the Taoiseach might indicate when this legislation is coming forward, necessary as it is at this stage.

The Minister, Deputy Quinn, was being very clear in setting out the fact that the Haddington Road agreement offers protection for members of the public service who support it while those who stand outside it remove themselves from that protection. There is no question of any threats by the Minister to sack teachers, or anything of the kind. He was very realistic in pointing out the situation.

The workplace relations Bill is listed for this session and I expect it to be published and dealt with in this session.

The Minister has been making soundings about forced job losses for teachers.

He has said no such thing.