I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Thomas Byrne. I join Senators in welcoming the announcement yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, that he will provide some grant aid towards the mediation works required to be carried out on septic tanks. Like Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh I am glad he listened to the Opposition because over many months during the debate in the House we pointed out that the scheme was unworkable unless grant assistance was provided.

He should listen to us more often. We will dig him out of that hole.

I very much welcome the fact that eventually he listened to the Opposition and now he should listen to us in respect of the property tax and the water charges. He can take the credit once he listens.

When is it intended to take the Education and Training Boards Bill in the House given that an announcement was made some months ago regarding the amalgamation of VECs and the names of the CEOs of the newly formed education and training boards. We have a situation where CEOs in charge of VECs will be moved to other counties to preside over the newly formed education and training boards, yet they do not know when this will happen. In a sense, they are like dead men walking. They have responsibility for the committees to which they are attached but have been designated to the education and training board areas. Perhaps the Leader will clarify the position.