Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Gilory on the need for that debate. On the issue of the promissory notes we need a write-down or co-operation from the European Central Bank.

In regard to the budget, the property tax will be introduced. We have all listened to the media speculation on the valuation of properties.

However, two houses were sold in my county at auction over the past two weeks. One, a three-bedroom house in a prime location, sold for ¤20,000 and the other, a four-bedroom state-of-the-art house in Letterkenny, sold for ¤40,000. How will individuals calculate the valuation of their properties? It will be difficult but the bill, therefore, for the average house in County Donegal will be ¤40 and not what the Government says. It is a flawed time to bring in a property tax.

I agree with Senator Hayden's comments on the need for a debate on climate change, taking agriculture into account and our commitments under the Kyoto protocol. It is also sad to reflect on the fact that a Minister is waking up to 26o Celsius heat in Doha today while many families in Ireland are waking up to freezing conditions. I acknowledge the Minister is taking a hands-on approach in the discussions in Doha but we need to keep our eye on the ball. We need to examine what is important and not focus in an overbearing manner on international issues of that nature at a time our own people cannot afford to light a fire or put on the central heating.