I wish to raise two issues, the first of which follows on from a matter raised relating to the potential closure of small rural schools. The Department of Education and Skills has had a value for money review of such schools for in excess of three years.

No, we cannot have a debate on that matter now.

The Taoiseach has repeatedly promised that a debate would be facilitated.

I know, but this is the Order of Business.

To what legislation is the Deputy alluding?

When will that debate be facilitated to give all Deputies an opportunity to contribute? The Taoiseach is not the only past pupil of a two-teacher school. I am a past pupil of a one-teacher school and proud to say it.

According to CSO figures published this year, more than one third of all children are living in deprivation.

Hold on a second, Deputy. This is the Order of Business and promised legislation.

One in eight children is living in consistent poverty. The Tánaiste, the Government's deputy leader, promised more than two weeks ago that time would be made available to debate the CSO figures.

That is a matter for the Whips.

They have not done it.

I have an entire list of Deputies who want to raise issues. We cannot have this.

The Taoiseach and the Government dictate what is taken in the Dáil.

They did not agree to make time available.

This is supposed to be on legislation.

Deputy Troy should take that matter up with his Whip.

Will the Taoiseach make time available for these two important debates?

The Deputy's Whip is beside him.

The Government Whip is a very difficult customer.

The Minister, Deputy Reilly, is advising him.

But Fianna Fáil's Whip is very co-operative. I have always-----

We are allowed to raise issues, including broken promises.

Our Whip is agreeable, but Deputy Kehoe is very difficult.

I have been Deputy Martin's friend.

-----found him very co-operative anyway.

I am not a customer, by the way.

Deputy Troy might consult with his own Whip because this matter was not raised at a Whips' meeting.

You are all whipping dogs now.

The Tánaiste stated that she would make time available.

The way to get one's business done is the way that Deputy Kelleher is proceeding. Have it raised at a Whips' meeting and Deputy Troy will find the Whip generous with his time between here-----

That would be a first.

That is a positive.

-----and the summer to have this matter debated as well.

Is the Chief Whip not talking to the Tánaiste?

The Minister is considering the other report that Deputy Troy mentioned.

Do not be like that, Micheál. I am your friend.

Deputies, please.

He might be a viper, but I am his friend.

Members must have had their Cornflakes this morning. They are all too giddy.

With friends like the Chief Whip, who needs enemies?

Once one is in, one is in.

Is Deputy Kehoe joining Simon now?

The Minister, Deputy Coveney, is Deputy Kehoe's friend as well.

The legions are growing over there.

How many commitments has the Government given which it cannot stand over?

There is limited time. If time expires, I cannot take Deputies.