Dan Boyle (Green Party)

The Leader did not have an opportunity to respond to two issues I raised yesterday and I wish to reaffirm them today. The first was raised by Senator Mullen this morning, namely, the question of Tibet, and the House has an opportunity to speak with one voice on this issue. While No. 17, motion 8 on the Order Paper in the name of the Independent Senators does not refer directly to current events, it might provide the bones of an all-party motion, having been checked by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and could come back before the House at an early date. It is important that the House should speak on an issue of concern as the 50th anniversary of the annexation of Tibet will take place in 2009.

I also agree with the need to have consistency in foreign policy. Ireland recently recognised Kosovo, which is a country that has nothing like the territorial and national integrity of a place like Tibet. We must be truly consistent in our foreign policy actions.

The second issue pertained to the community development support programme on which the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is making a decision that will come into effect at the end of May. The House should be given the opportunity to discuss the impact of that decision in respect of the community development support programme.

As for the ongoing programme of the House, it is clear that two major themes will dominate proceedings on Members' return from the recess. The first is that of the Lisbon treaty while the second is that of the economy. In respect of the Lisbon treaty, I also welcome the impending visit of the President of the European Parliament and the promise of contributions from Members of the European Parliament who represent Ireland. This will be a useful exercise in its own right. It is especially important that those members of the European Parliament from Ireland who have an alternative view should participate in such a debate in the House. Members must have an open and rounded discussion regarding the benefits or otherwise of the Lisbon treaty.

On the question of the economy, Members would benefit from having a number of debates. In particular, I would like to hear the views of Opposition Members as to what they would do differently. Would they raise taxes or how would they order public spending in different ways?