The second petition is also from Councillor James MacCleary and others of like disposition. [Interruption.] The petition expresses concern about the increasingly common practice of fingerprinting children in schools. [Interruption.] I hope that you can hear me above the background noise, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Order. We are trying to proceed with the petitions.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

The petition notes that an average of 20 educational establishments in each local education authority are now fingerprinting pupils and it regards that as an intrusion on basic civil liberties.

The petition states:

Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House shall urge the Department for Education and Skills to legislate in order that parental consent is required in advance of any fingerprinting of children in schools.

And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

To lie upon the Table.