Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Darragh O'Brien, I wish to welcome everyone back after the recess to what will be an interesting term ahead. As we gear up for the budget in mid-October - it is the first time we have had a budget this early - I welcome the signals from within the Government that the full adjustment of €3.1 billion may not be made. In fact, a lesser amount may be taken out of the economy in this budget and it would be a welcome step, as most colleagues would agree, towards ensuring a speedier return to economic recovery. We will see a great more deal debate on that. I ask the Leader to ensure that we might play our own part in that debate in the run-up to the budget.

I also wish to refer to the referendums on 4 October. We have had an extensive debate in this House on the referendum on the future of the Seanad, although we have had a less extensive debate on the court of appeal. I hope that in the next few weeks we will have an opportunity to debate further the court of appeal referendum. There is an unfortunate lack of information in the public domain on that referendum.

In terms of the referendum on the future of the Seanad, however, I have been out canvassing with Democracy Matters for a "No" vote. Yesterday, Senator Quinn and myself were out in the lashing rain and received a good response.