Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Given that the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, is awarding himself a substantial salary increase, thus bringing his salary to more than twice that of the United States Secretary of the Treasury, the least we should expect is that he come to this House for a debate. The Central Bank issued a warning yesterday that our competitiveness has slipped again, by some 5%. Competitiveness has decreased by 17% under successive Fianna Fáil-led Governments and by at least 5% under the watch of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.

There are actions the Government can take to address this. Members of this House have a range of experiences and should be allowed to participate in a debate on how best to manage the changes in the economy. Nobody wants to see record numbers of people signing on the dole. The number in receipt of social welfare has risen to the highest level in eight and half years. I would like the Minister, Deputy Cowen, to come to the House to discuss the economy so we can consider all the factors of concern to the public. Many people are worried about house prices, for example.

Will the Leader consult the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the Garda retirement age of 60, and then update the House on the matter? A number of studies, including one compiled by Dr. Maurice Hayes, have concluded that there is a brain drain at top levels of Garda management. The House could examine this issue in the context of the serious levels of crime in this country. Senator Mary White has pointed out that the police retirement age in other countries is between 63 and 65. The report that has been made available to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform should be examined and a decision should be made on this issue. It is ironic that some gardaí, who want to extend their period of service in the force, have asked the Equality Authority to assess whether an Act that was introduced by this Government applies to them. Perhaps the Leader will raise this matter with the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan.