Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

I also ask that we be given an opportunity to debate the options and issues confronting the people before the budget. The Taoiseach has indicated that he will make a state of the nation address. Perhaps these two items could be put together and an address could be made about how the Taoiseach sees the issues facing the Government before the budget and the questions that will influence how the Government will approach the budget. Opposition parties should have the opportunity to outline their views about options and alternatives facing into the budget. Particularly given the number of kites being flown and the fear and anxiety being caused to ordinary people, it is only fair, reasonable and democratic to have a debate in the Dáil in which people can set out their perspectives on how we can deal with the economic crisis and the severe issues facing the country in advance of the final budget announcements.

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