I support Senator Jim D'Arcy in his call for a debate with Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, in the upcoming session. I welcome the progress that has been made in the reform of the junior cycle and the fact that agreement was reached with all unions. The long overdue junior cycle reform can now proceed as a matter of urgency.

The air ambulance service is being put on a permanent basis, which is a very welcome development, particularly for people living along the west coast. It will continue to be based in Custume Barracks in Athlone. The Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadker, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, announced yesterday that the service would be established on a permanent basis. The valuable service ensures people who are seriously ill and in remoter areas of the country have timely access to the appropriate high quality clinical care they require. The National Ambulance Service and the Air Corps have operated the service on a pilot basis since 2012. There was concern recently that it might not be put on a permanent basis. With the Irish Coast Guard providing backup support the service has completed over 1,055 missions to date. Over 300 of these missions involved people with serious heart conditions who needed to be transported to a primary care centre within 90 minutes. This service is invaluable to many people and it is very welcome news that it is to be continued on a permanent basis. I have no doubt that it will be evaluated for ongoing effectiveness, but it is now a permanent fixture as part of the improving health service. I compliment the Ministers involved in bringing this to fruition.