Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

News on the economy continues to be very distressing, particularly for families whose homes are being repossessed. Yesterday we heard that the number is increasing weekly, as are the unemployment figures. Today the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance will unveil cutbacks apparently amounting to €450 million, although we await the figures. The Taoiseach bears a heavy responsibility for his time as Minister for Finance when his inflationary budgets killed competitiveness and the huge increases in day to day spending were financed by unsustainable property taxes. During his time as Minister there was stalled public sector reform and value for money principles were abandoned. The public will now pay the price for this when it hears today from the Government how it proposes to tackle the problem.

It is appropriate that I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that in view of the rising numbers of unemployed and the front line stress being caused to people, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come to the House to discuss the situation. We are seeing cutbacks already, particularly in the health service. I propose my amendment so that we can discuss these issues today. We need to hear the views of all Senators on the situation. Fine Gael launched its economic analysis and action plan last week, Recovery Through Reform, which I recommend to Senators. It outlines clearly the issues that need to be tackled by the Government, issues the Taoiseach failed to tackle during his period as Minister for Finance.

I take the opportunity, with Senator Boyle here as Deputy Leader, to raise two issues of environmental concern. First, we are the only country that has not signed up to the Aarhus Convention. It would be of assistance to residents concerned about the toxic waste at Haulbowline in Cork, if this convention was signed by the Government. It is extraordinary that we have two Green Party Ministers, yet we are the only EU state not to ratify the convention. What is the Government approach on this?

I have another concern with regard to the situation at Haulbowline in Cork and am very interested in hearing Senator Boyle's response to it. My concern is that the Government is threatening legal action against an environmental consultant who is trying to alert the public to the risk posed at Haulbowline. We have talked often about whistleblower's legislation, yet it appears that this man has been warned not to release any documentation on work he did for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government relating to the island. What approach are the Green Party and its Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government taking to this, given that the Government appears to be threatening a whistleblower with legal action for trying to raise environmental concerns?

I hope the Deputy Leader will address this question. Many people see this man as doing a public duty by trying to get information into the public arena. Perhaps the reports are wrong on this and if they are, perhaps Senator Boyle can inform the House on the issue. It is important for the House to have accurate information on the issue.