Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I support the request for the overdue debate on the economic situation in this country, which is grievous and needs addressing. It is the product of many years of mismanagement by this Government. I want this debate to be focused on front-line services. There have been cutbacks in the effort to reduce class sizes and in the summer works scheme in schools and mental health services. There is also the embargo on recruitment of front-line staff in the Health Service Executive. When the Leader and Senator McFadden have doled out largesse to Westmeath County Council for the continuation of necessary schemes, I trust they will see fit to support similar requests from Cavan County Council. We need a focused debate on those issues when addressing the topic of the economy.

I support Senator O'Toole because what is happening in Zimbabwe is the greatest horror in the world. Our Government should be at the front of that, as it should on the Ethiopian question.