John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

That is true. It is a waste of money. We are investing in markets in the Far East at a time when we have infrastructural problems.

Figures were touted by Senator Fitzgerald and other Government speakers which they claimed showed how well the economy was doing and that charges had not been increased. However, motor tax has increased by 12%. In spite of that increase, Kilkenny County Council will spend marginally less on local roads this year. This is related to the huge increase in insurance premiums, which is a disgrace. Hospital charges have increased by 26%, the drug refund threshold by 31% and the television licence fee by 40%. College registration fees have increased by 59% at a time when, as Senator McDowell said on the Order of Business, those who face examinations in the near future are worried about the possible reintroduction of tuition fees.

The sombre tone adopted by Government Senators in relation to the budget and the Finance Bill is marked compared to the congratulatory tone of recent years. They, like ourselves, seem to understand that the boom was wasted by the Government.