Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I have a problem with today's Order of Business with regard to the motion on social security. It is another exercise of an option by the State and concerns agreeing to social security extension to third country nationals. It is not being discussed in any Dáil committee and we have had no information on the budgetary implications of this measure. Other countries have been discussing this since May. The UK stated it is concerned about the implications of extending its health service to the number of people involved, as did a number of other parliaments.

Yesterday, Senator Regan raised the reform treaty which we will ask people to support early next year. Today, we have a serious motion on social security at EU level. Fine Gael does not oppose the points made in the measure. However, we have had no information or discussion on the budgetary implications of this serious measure but the House is expected to support it. It is inappropriate to introduce it for one hour in the Dáil and the Seanad.