Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I have made my case in this regard to the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Finance. Although the Minister for Finance gives a particular package to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, he has an input in this regard, as has the Government as a whole. I know there will be massive increases in social welfare, old age pensions, child welfare allowances, etc. As Senator White has said, child care will be a major issue in the budget. However, the 280,000 people who are affected by the free fuel scheme should also be given special consideration.

Under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Estimate for the planning and development tribunal is at least €16.343 million this year. Added to the overall cost of the tribunal, this is an enormous burden on the State. I have no involvement, hand, act or part in the tribunals, but I must express concern. The tribunal is doing a job and the list of witnesses coming before it is enormous. It looks as if it will be running for years. It was reconstituted when Mr. Justice Fergus Flood retired from the tribunal.