Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I support the call for action on SSIAs, as proposed by the leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes. This is another example of penny-pinching policies by the Government. Senator Finucane referred to another example of this yesterday in regard to nursing home subventions, in that it is now the case that 5% of the value of one's home will be regarded as income. I support the call for a debate on this issue.

In regard to SSIAs, I am most disappointed the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, a fellow Tipperary lady for whom I have the utmost respect, is allowing this to happen. I put it to the Leader that there is little wonder there is cynicism among young people about politicians and politics because, on the one had hand, their parents are being penalised for doing what they were encouraged to do, namely save, and, on the other hand, the Taoiseach has been explaining for the past two or three weeks why there was no need to pay tax in various situations whether it was for personal loans, gifts or whip-rounds. This is an urgent issue and I support the call for a debate on it.

The issue of free education could be added to the debate. This is a myth, especially at primary level with the high cost of books, the ongoing collections it is necessary for people to make to provide school equipment and to keep schools going and up to standard. I support the call for an urgent debate on the matter.

I agree with Senator Norris, except to say that it is unfair to blame local authorities. They are obliged to implement schemes and they are bound by regulations and rules that are put in place by the Minister. It is not fair to blame local authorities for the penny pinching that is taking place.