Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree with today's Order of Business. Some weeks ago, I asked for a debate to be held as soon as possible on the issue of legislation for on-the-runs and the proposals that the Government wants to put forward. The Leader, through her good office, might organise a debate early in the new session on this issue. The British Government today announced it would substantially amend the legislation to ensure that those who were previously able to abscond will now have to come before a court. That is some progress. It is similar to the Fine Gael leader Deputy Kenny's suggestion to our Government that instead of granting presidential pardons here we ensure that people come before the courts, admit their guilt and then be released after a period of time as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. We need a debate on this early in the new session.

The ESRI report, covered in a number of newspapers today, contained Armageddon-like predictions. While the ESRI is correct in pointing out our over-reliance on the construction industry and multinational investment and the problems in the US economy, gimmick-like suggestions such as the reintroduction of property tax or changing tax relief on mortgage interest are not good ideas. The economy has threats, particularly its reliance for employment on multinational investment, but the report's suggestions are of no benefit.

Yesterday in the House much comment was made on the need for additional investment in third-level institutions, particularly in research and development. We will have a particular problem. Tony Blair's proposals on top-up fees will affect not just England and Wales but Northern Ireland. This means Northern Ireland universities will have additional revenue for research and development that we will not have. The Government has produced additional funding for the third-level sector this year and I welcome that but it will have to be a rolling programme to ensure more money exists for research and development. Otherwise Northern universities will have an advantage over those in the Republic. The Government needs to address that issue.