David Norris (Independent)

When the good Senator drew a contrast between the public addresses and the privacy of the Seanad, I thought that was a very interesting thought. I must agree with great reluctance that nothing which happens here at this hour will be reflected and this debate should be taken seriously and reflected in the media.

I support the motion. However, I have concerns about the term "prudent" when used in terms of the stewardship of the Government. I pay tribute to the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, who is a good negotiator. He is able to persuade two apparently irreconcilable sides to find a common meeting ground, not to pursue their aims entirely selfishly and to put a degree of national interest into the equation. However, that prudence is very limited. A series of disastrous situations were entered into by the Government which can only contribute in various ways to the inflationary process.

I will give one example which is close to my heart at present, namely, the situation regarding the Corrib gas field. Our natural resources were handed away by the Government. The Minister of State can shake his head all he likes but they were given away for nothing. We do not even receive a tax yield on it.