Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

We have been successful in that regard. However, loose budgetary discipline and uncontrolled expenditure in recent years have brought us back into an era of deficits and increases in the national debt, both in absolute and percentage terms. It is this aspect about which I am specifically concerned and I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on it.

I previously called for a debate on standards in public office and I understand the Leader has acceded to my request in this regard. I do not propose to mention the Mahon tribunal because I know that doing so upsets certain people in the House.