Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

Nobody has come up with any evidence. We created over 90,000 jobs last year and all the indications are that we will create in excess of 60,000 this year. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union. The Labour Party's statement amounts to a disingenuous scare tactic. The Government has agreed that this issue will be an important one in the forthcoming social partnership talks. The process will provide an opportunity for trade unions to put forward their views on the issue. The Government is interested in the unions' viewpoints and will respond to those particular issues.

Senator Ross was certainly entertaining and admitted himself that some of his comments were off the point. He referred to the M50 toll bridge, which is an issue for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. The State benefits substantially from the toll bridge's income and from VAT. The issue is under consideration by the Minister, Deputy Cullen, however, and I have no doubt that the Government will make a decision on it in due course.

Senator Daly appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the inquiries he has made. Yesterday, by coincidence, I received a group from Kildysart in the Senator's constituency, concerning a drainage issue. Perhaps I should have advised the Senator beforehand, but the group may have done so. I appreciate the Senator's comments on decentralisation. Some of the detractors of decentralisation have been found to be not listening and out of touch with the general public. Figures I saw in a recent poll suggest that almost 80% of people in the regions favour decentralisation. Tremendous progress is being made with decentralisation, which we are advancing very quickly. However, like everything else, it takes time and has to be planned and executed properly. When one interferes with people's lives, it is entirely voluntary. People are being allowed to make their own plans and arrangements, and the very best built infrastructure is being put in placed since that is what civil servants deserve.

The general consensus that I feel the House expresses is extremely strong appreciation of the very good management of the budget. I believe Senator Brady referred to the fact that it is not so long ago that we had a €9 billion budget. Now it is €40 billion, and that is a sign of the tremendous progress made by the Government and the country.

I once again thank Senators for their contributions. The points that we have noted will be taken up and responded to.