Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I appeal to the Leader to provide time for such a debate before the Christmas recess.

Despite the Leader's stated preference for a splurge, I wish to make a last appeal to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, before the budget next week. We need to do something. The Minister must make an announcement next week to incentivise the placing of SSIA moneys in pensions. There is a serious national shortfall in pensions and there is a crisis on our hands in regard to this important issue. The ball is at the Minister's feet and I urge him, as I am sure would the great majority, to put this right in his Budget Statement next week.