Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

In deference to the wishes of the Cathaoirleach, I withdraw it.

Perhaps the Leader might arrange a debate before the House rises next week on the report of the Oireachtas joint committee on the Barron inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I understand there may be a debate in the other House and, given the report was issued about three months ago, it is appropriate to have a similar debate here. It is incongruous that, in the debate on the Iraqi situation, people purport to fight terrorism in one corner of the world but in another will not co-operate fully with investigations into serious allegations of their forces colluding in heinous atrocities committed in this country.

I fully support Senator Brian Hayes's call for a debate on the report of the ESRI. On the matter of taxation, which has been mentioned by him, it is very appropriate and timely that we have such a report now. I join with other speakers who acknowledge and recognise that the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, given the very significant and far-reaching changes he has made to the entire taxation structure over the last few years, has made a very significant contribution to the development of the economy and that has been a very important foundation stone for the success we have enjoyed.

I also support Senator Maurice Hayes in his request for a debate on value for money in the public services. We should not confine it to the capital programme, though that is an important part. Current expenditure is also important, and it is absolutely essential we get better value for money than we are achieving across many sectors of the public service.