David Norris (Independent)

I did not anticipate being called so soon. I thought I would have another ten minutes. I compliment my colleague, Senator Quinn, on tabling this important motion on inflation. I am glad I have this time to speak on it because it would be a great pity if a subject as significant as this were not supported by the Members representing the University of Dublin and it was left to all our separated brethren from either the Labour Party or from the other great national institute of education.

I notice an amendment was tabled to the motion. I deplore the habit of tabling these rather flatulent amendments. The motion is perfectly clear. It does not seem to be critical of the Government in any significant way. It simply states the fact that we know there is a difficulty in terms of inflation as it affects the competitiveness of the country and the fact, which is established, that we are running above the EU average and we ask the Minister to do something about it. That seems a perfectly rational position to take and it is not one that could be construed as any kind of carping criticism of the Government. Nonetheless, the Government considers it necessary, as usual, to delete all words in the motion after "Seanad Éireann" and replace the wording with words that simply note the situation with regard to inflation and support the Government's prudent approach. I take exception to the word "prudent" in terms of the Government.

Before I get into that and before my good friend and colleague, Senator Mansergh, leaves the House, I must take him up on one point.