Tá sé soiléir go bhfuil fadhb mhór againn i Roinn na Gaeltachta tar éis an cruinniú a bhí againn inné leis an gCoimisinéir. Tá sé tábhachtach go mbeidh díospóireacht faoi chad a tharla inné roimh an Nollaig. Ní dóigh liom gur ceart dúinn fanacht go dtí Feabhra chun an díospóireacht sin a bheith againn.

It is clear there is a problem when the Irish Language Commissioner made the remarks he did yesterday. We should schedule a debate on that before the Christmas recess. I got the impression the Minister plans to wait until the commissioner's resignation in February before addressing the issues he raised. There is a sense of urgency that needs to be addressed.

On the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, we had very significant positive results from the Programme for International Student Assessment, PISA, studies this week and they were lost in other issues. We should acknowledge how positive they were. The improvements in science subjects and maths pay tribute to everybody involved, the Minister, his predecessors and teachers around the country.

In the context of junior certificate reform, what plans does the Minister have to ensure we continue these results? Also, what plans does he have to consider new subject areas, particularly technology and computer programming?

The issue of a debate or discussion on the Irish language strategy could be raised by the party Whips at the next Whips' meeting, or Deputy Dara Calleary and the Sinn Féin spokesperson could discuss it with the Chief Whip to see whether time could be made available, either tomorrow or next week but certainly before the recess.

With regard to Deputy Dara Calleary's comments on PISA, the results are welcome. We have recovered our previous position, which gives strength to the suggestion that the assessment in 2009 was not 100% accurate. I welcome the improvement which is the result of the literacy and numeracy strategy I launched in July 2011. The strategy had been in draft form, prepared by my predecessor, Mary Coughlan, in response to the revelations and concerns expressed in 2009. The good news is that in regard to the 65 countries surveyed and within the 34 countries in the OECD, we have improved our position considerably. We are in the second from top division but not in the premier league. My aspiration is for Ireland to be in the top division. It is clear from the data that the reformed science curriculum introduced in primary schools in 1999, with a knock-on effect on reform in the post-primary junior cycle, has led to a distinct improvement. The change in the data is significant and according to the professional interpretation of the educational research council, the change in the curriculum has had a positive effect. The fact that change was introduced in 1999 indicates how long the lead-in time is for improvements to take place. I hope we will see a similar improvement with the junior cycle reforms which will commence next September in one subject, English, for students entering first year.

Maidir leis an díospóireacht a thairg an tAire, beidh Sinn Féin sásta an díospóireacht sin a bheith againn amárach, mar go bhfuil géarchéim anseo. Dá dtarlódh seo ó thaobh Ombudsman na bpáistí agus dá mbeadh an Ombudsman tar éis a rá go bhfuil an Stát Seirbhís lochtach, bheadh an díospóireacht againn lom láithreach inniu. Tá sé iontach tábhachtach go dtarlóidh an díospóireacht seo inniu, ámárach nó ar an lá is moille, Dé Máirt. Beidh Sinn Féin sásta a bheith anseo amárach, má tá an tAire féin anseo le na ceisteanna a fhreagairt.

Maidir le reachtaíocht, tá athbhreithniú déanta le dhá bhliain ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, ach cén uair an mbeidh leasúcháin ag teacht chuig an Dáil don Acht sin?

In regard to the Local Government Bill 2013 which deals with reform of local government, I have asked the Minister and the Taoiseach on a number of occasions whether legislation is contingent on the Government announcing the local government fund allocations to local authorities. As we are all aware, the Government promised a bonanza local government fund allocation this year because of the local property tax. An additional €500 million is to be put into the fund to be dispersed to local authorities to do all sorts of things. Some of us believe these moneys will not materialise. It has now emerged that a sneaky amendment has been included in the Local Government Bill by the Government to allow €600 million to be paid from the fund by the Minister for Finance for the establishment of Irish Water. Will the Minister confirm that the funds that will be raised next year from the local property tax will go to enhance local-----

The Deputy knows well that this is not an issue that can be raised on the Order of Business.

Will they go to facilitate the taxation of water services.

The Deputy is not listening to me. He knows well that this is not a matter for the Order of Business.

Will the Chair explain this to me -----

I am not going to explain anything to the Deputy who should find out what is in order on the Order of Business. He knows well that it is not in order to raise this issue.

With respect, on a point of order, if the Ceann Comhairle can inform me which of the two questions asked by Fianna Fáil referenced any legislation, I will be willing to listen to him. I am told there is a precedent and that we have a book which includes salient rulings.

Will the Deputy, please, put a question that is in order?

There was no reference to any matter relevant to the Order of Business in the questions asked by Fianna Fáil. In terms of the debate tomorrow -----

The Fianna Fáil Deputy called for a debate.

The Deputy spoke about education but made no reference to impending legislation.

The Deputy is a spokesperson, but I have been elected Ceann Comhairle. As long as I am here, I hope the Deputy will respect the Chair.

I do respect the Chair.

I ask the Deputy to respect the Chair and be in order.