Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have already proposed that we should allocate more time to discuss this and I propose an extension of 45 minutes. There is a number of very important items to be discussed and it is unfair to expect this to be completed in the time allocated where there is only ten minutes per main spokesperson.

Vote 30 deals with the Department Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. There is the question of payments to RTE, An Post and the broadcasting fund. An amount was to be paid to RTE in 2000 as the balance of licence fees collected in 1999 under the old system were not met. Vote 27 deals with the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. There is a Supplementary Estimate in respect of Army pensions. The note states that the gratuity and pension has been higher than anticipated at the time of the original Estimate and that the upward trend in the past four months is expected to continue to the end of the year. This has serious implications for the Army.

Vote 34 deals with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the temporary employment subsidy scheme. The Department of Health and Children requires a Supplementary Estimate of €254 million. A series of items are dealt with in it.

The Vote of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform deals with the Garda Síochána Vote. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform said many of the gardaí were hangers on at this stage. The note states there is a 100% increase in the number of budgeted retirements for 2009. It is a serious loss of experience and a brain drain from the force. These matters cannot, and should not, be dealt with in a ten minute period.

There is also the prisons Vote. We heard a story today about a man in some distress being arrested because he did not have a dog licence and who spent a day in Mountjoy Prison. This should not happen. These matter should be discussed for a longer period of time and I suggest a 45 minute extension.

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