Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The latter point made by Senator Brian Hayes could be dealt with if the report on the first couple of meetings of the sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges brings to the attention of the House proposals in relation to moving this matter forward. While I have no objection to a debate in the House, it would be a repeat of the previous debate on the subject. I would prefer if the recommendations were placed before the House for consideration. I hope such a move would satisfy Senator Hayes.

The tax revenue figures for January, published yesterday, should be a matter of concern to Senators. I believe the inflation figures for January will be released next week. The Department of Finance, for the first time ever, has compiled and published its monthly revenue and expenditure projections. It would be helpful if the Minister for Finance was to participate in a debate in this House to indicate his Department's thinking on the issues involved.

I am sick and tired of being told how to live our lives by certain people who describe themselves as economists, although they may be third level teachers. They are paid by various financial interests in this country. Although their figures are sometimes incorrect by as much as €1 billion, they bounce back as if such an error never happened. It seems as if they are running the country as they are always in the headlines. A discussion in this House, where public representatives can give their opinions, would be preferable. It would be worthwhile if it gave public representatives as much confidence as economists when speaking about economic matters, which is a simple thing to do. Most economists seem to work on the basis of placing their fingers in the air, which is not impressive, and have a vested interest in selling a product for a financial firm. The economy is not as complex as such people would have one believe. I would like, as part of a discussion in the House, to see ordinary public representatives taking part in a debate on it.

Similarly, I would like the Leader to consider a debate on the operation of cartels and the phenomenon of price fixing. There seems to be lack of competition in various areas, mainly as a result of the Competition Authority's lack of resources. While the legislation passed last year is quite adequate, I propose that some of the funds raised through the operations of the Criminal Assets Bureau should be channelled into the Competition Authority which now deals with criminal matters and is badly in need of resources. I would welcome a debate on the matter.