David Norris (Independent)

As I said last night, I met the Minister for Finance in the corridor after this year's general election. I told him that he had been a good Minister for Finance and that he had an opportunity to be a great one by breaking every single election promise. I want to modify that statement a little by saying there is one promise that should not be broken. The Government should keep its promise to extend medical cards to children, as such a measure is necessary. I would also like a commitment from the Minister that we will meet our obligations in terms of overseas development aid. We made an honourable vow to meet the UN target of 0.7% of GNP and were on target before this year's blip. A commitment that the shortfall will be met is necessary. I accept that 18 months of punishment is planned to get the country's finances back on track and think the Minister is capable of doing it.

While I agree with Senator Ross in relation to benchmarking, I would also like to defend my colleague, Senator O'Toole. He was much pilloried for comparing benchmarking to an ATM, but it was a valid comparison. An ATM gobbled up my card some time ago and when no light went on, I went into the bank to make a complaint. I was thrown unceremoniously onto the street. I cannot think of anything which more exactly resembles what I would like to see happening to benchmarking. In his colourful way, Senator O'Toole has once more hit the nail smack on its head. I agree with Senator Mansergh about the importance of social partnership. Our remarkably successful economy has resulted from the degree of agreement and consensus we enjoy and I hope this can be maintained in the interests of society.