Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Kenny about setting aside the business ordered for today. There is an air of unreality about the business the Government has scheduled for the House to discuss. All public and State offices in the country, including these Houses, are being picketed by members of the Civil and Public Services Union. Every social welfare office in the country is closed. This House, instead of discussing the items scheduled for today, needs to discuss the serious economic circumstances the country is in. The Government has had its lap-dogs out over the past week or so asking why the Opposition does not stay quiet and support the Government and why we cannot all get together and agree these things.

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