Third-level points reform
The Deputy Leader says points reform is intended to streamline excessive course duplication rather than remove meaningful choice for students.
She is a law student and a very capable auditor. I cannot yet claim to have spent three to four decades teaching freshmen, but I agree with Senator Sean D. Barrett's point on the need to ensure choice at third level. The Minister is not threatening this or suggesting courses should be abolished, rather he is saying the points race should be streamlined to ensure less multiplicity of courses. Reforms are in train in Trinity College Dublin and other colleges. The idea is to make the system better for students, rather than reducing choice.
Senator Aideen Hayden welcomed the extension of the period for the fuel allowance by the Minister for Social Protection which is very welcome, given the terrible weather we have been having. The Senator also called for a debate on fuel poverty which I will ask the Leader to arrange. She very kindly mentioned the report published yesterday by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on penal reform which I authored. I hope we can debate that report before the summer. There is good coverage in the newspapers today of some of the recommendations made in it and a welcome editorial in the Irish Independent calling for the report to be implemented. It makes some sensible and practical recommendations to reduce prison numbers and bring about a greatly improved penal system.
The Senator also called, as did Senator Mark Daly, for the Minister for Finance to attend the House for a debate on banking. I have made that request, but I point out that we had a debate on banking in July with the Minister in which only 12 Senators took part. I hope there will be greater participation on the next occasion.
Senator Terry Leyden seconded the amendment proposed by Senator Mark MacSharry and gave advice to the Taoiseach on a potential Cabinet reshuffle. I am sure the Taoiseach will be very grateful.