I think he is.

We have to wait until the appropriate Minister is here to answer. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, will not take this matter.

We will adjourn for a minute to give everybody a chance to get their information ready.

As Deputy Hourigan and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science are not here, with the permission of the House we will move on to the next matter and someone might make contact with the Minister's Department while we do so. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will revert to the two matters we have passed over and I ask that someone make contact with the Deputy and the Minister in the interim.

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this issue. It is emotive and needs to be dealt with. I reject in their entirety the continuous allegations against Fine Gael and whoever else to the effect that we are all a bunch of hard right-wing opportunists and that we have no concern for the people. I remind everybody on all sides of the House that in the 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Fine Gael itself, or in conjunction with the Labour Party, brought forward some of the most progressive legislation in…

This question relates to the extent to which the Minister has information derived from the contact she has received from employers and employees. What is the extent to which those who have contacted, or have been contacted, have an indication of work available to them when they are ready to go back? I have two questions on the same subject. I am sorry about that.

I thank the Minister for her reply. Can any indication be gleaned from the information available as to which sectors show the most likely signs of recovering in the earliest stages, be it agrifood, retail or transport? In order to ensure continuity of payment, with the phasing out of one payment and its replacement with employment, at this stage people need to know where they are heading in a fortnight, three weeks’ time or whenever.

I join other Deputies in complimenting the work done by the Minister and her Department in what were very challenging times. I have no doubt that in the weeks ahead she will be equally up to the task of dovetailing activities in such a way as to ensure a smooth return to work for the people who have been out of work, be they employers or employees, and that such a return will be backed up with a continued payment where necessary and a good liaison between the Department and those affected.

I thank the Minister for the previous replies and reiterate our appreciation of the work being done. Is it possible to determine the areas most likely to respond quickly in bringing their employees back to work? Have the indicators so far given that information? For instance, the construction, retail and wholesale sectors. Does she see them progressing in the way anticipated?

Is it possible at this stage to give some indication from available information as to the areas most likely to be affected by jobs being no longer available? Is the potential for recovery still there for those sectors and, as a result, the employment potential for employees?

Under the bilateral arrangements that exist between this country and a number of other countries in respect of social welfare, is it possible to arrange a payment based on their contributions in the country from which they are leaving?

Subject to the agreement of the two Deputies who tabled the questions, I will alternate between them. I will take Deputy Connolly next.

I call the Minister.

I will come back to the Deputy. I do not mind. I was going to take each Deputy in turn.

We will not have an argument over it.

I acknowledge the efforts the Minister and many others have made in bringing about the current situation in respect of the leaving certificate. Does she remain satisfied that the procedure is going according to plan or have issues arisen?

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. I offer my compliments to her in respect of her dedication in pursuing the issues involved. Arising from the experience so far, has anything arisen that may cause concern or need dispute resolution at a later stage? Is the Minister satisfied that any such requirement can be met?

To what degree does the Minister remain satisfied that all the objectives can be met on time and that facilities remain available to her to bring about satisfactory solutions to disputes that arise?

My question to the Taoiseach is on a subject that has been well worn over the past week and rightly so. Has a conflict of interest been determined in situations whereby investment funds can freely enter the housing market in such a way as to distort it, to prevent private home buyers from acquiring a home of their own, to prevent local authorities from acquiring houses in line with the requirements, and to prevent approved housing bodies, all to the frustration of Government policy? Can action can be taken in this …

On a point of order-----