I seek leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the National Minimum Wage Act to end sub-minimum rates of pay for those who have attained the age of 16 and for those entering their first two years of employment, which is No. 13 on the Seanad Order Paper.

Is the Senator proposing that No. 13 be taken before No. 1?

Yes. A number of us had a very good engagement last Thursday with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO. Like their colleagues in the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, they made a very cogent and persuasive case for additional funding for national schools in particular. I was shocked to learn of the contrast between the subsidy per pupil at national school level and the subsidy per pupil at secondary school level. The latter is effectively double, which means that national schools are being asked to cope with the impossible in terms of budgets. Most of us already know this because we have to pay so-called voluntary contributions each year. I think it was Fergus Finlay who made the point last year that it would not take an awful lot to take that money off the table and make national schools truly affordable. In Limerick, in the urban centres in particular, there are 33 to 35 pupils per class, which is shocking. This is not good enough.

It would be timely if before we break up for the summer recess and before budget decisions are made, the Minister for Education and Skills would come to the House to discuss this issue, particularly how we can improve the pupil subsidy at national school level.

I, too, wish to raise an issue related to education. Members are currently receiving representations in regard to the SUSI grants system. Over the past two years, there have been a number of changes to that system.

If students are working during the summer or part time at Christmas, that is taken into account with the parents' PRSI, whether it is the mother or the father. In many cases, it brings students over a threshold for grants, which is a major issue. We have the best of young people seeking to go to third level education but the SUSI grant system is not working. I am looking for the Minister to be brought in to speak on this. The PAYE worker and those who have their stamps are not getting a grant because a young family member, whether he or she is a working student, can bring them over the limit.

I read today that Ireland is the second most expensive country in Europe for consumer goods and services. With the exception of electronics, Ireland was above the European Union average for all the price categories. The State ranked most expensive for alcohol and tobacco, with an average price at 175% of the EU average. Ireland was also the third highest priced country for personal transport equipment, including cars, motorbikes and bicycles, at 111% of the EU average. The survey, based on data from 2016, found that Ireland is fourth highest for restaurants and hotels, and fifth highest for food and non-alcoholic drinks, both at 120% of the EU average. We all know how important this is for tourism in Ireland. We love Ireland and we want to promote it but we must ensure we are in line with average prices. This is another crucial matter that should be brought to a Minister.

I welcome the amendment from Senator Paul Gavan, which I second. I am also proud to co-sign the Bill. I rise to discuss another Bill dealing with people who are 16. On 29 March we initiated a Second Stage debate on the Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016. The Government made a decision that week to delay the Bill so a Second Reading would take place in 2018. The Minister of State, Deputy English, was in the Chamber that day and he explained that although the Minister, Deputy Coveney, made it clear he is not against the Bill, he asked for more time to debate it thoroughly. The Bill was ready for discussion and debate. Since that debate I wrote to the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State, Deputy English, who were responsible for the issue at the time. I have also written to the incoming Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, to examine how we can work together to inform the Seanad on the issue in that timeframe and work with the Department to allay any concerns about the legislation. I have only received acknowledgement and a promise to respond to the letter but I have seen no further response. The comments of the Minister of State, Deputy English, were reasonable but my concern is the Bill will return in January 2018 with little or no debate having happened or any attempt to inform the House on what has taken place. I ask the Leader for an update on what we can do before January 2018 to inform all involved on the detail of the Bill.