I ask that time be made available today or tomorrow for statements to the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Foley. I wrote to the Ceann Comhairle on Friday on foot of an exchange I had with the Minister on Thursday when I asked her a very straight question about the leaving certificate results. The Minister refused to answer the question and then sent out a press release some two hours later. That was disrespectful to the Dáil and to the Ceann Comhairle. I ask that the Minister for Education and Skills be made available today or tomorrow to answer questions on the leaving certificate and the reasons the issuing of the results has been delayed. There will be no other opportunity in the coming days for us to do this. I believe the Minister disrespected the House last Thursday and I feel that it is incumbent on the Government to give Opposition spokespersons an opportunity to question the Minister in this House on this important issue, which will affect so many families in September.

I wrote to the Ceann Comhairle on the same matter. I want to add my voice to that call. The Minister has scarcely answered a direct question in her short time in office. It is urgently needed. The concern among students and parents is unbelievable. The Minister really does need to come into the House to clarify the situation on the leaving certificate and on the return to school. People are absolutely in the dark.