Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed the Leader did not respond positively to the requests made during the past three days by Senator Fitzgerald and others in regard to the time allowed to debate the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008. The position is that no extra time will be allowed for adequate discussion on amendments. This is the situation with which we are faced in this House. In commenting on the Bill, we will not obtain a positive response on any quarter or amendment no matter how meritorious, which is disappointing. I believe the Leader is failing to stand up for this House and its procedures.

Following on from Senator Fitzgerald's remarks on the economy, earlier in the week we received an indication of the Government's proposals and yesterday sought clarification in this regard. Essentially, everything in the proposals is aspirational. The proposals provide for efficiency reviews, projects to be examined and prioritised and joint public procurement operation targeted schemes to reduce surplus staff. The only specific proposal which provides for a cutback is in respect of the €45 million in overseas development aid. We seem to be able to pick on the poorest abroad without a second thought. The other proposals are all fudge, confusion and contradictions.

Senator Fitzgerald referred to a report in today's The Irish Times. The article referred to is by Dan O'Brien, economist of the Economist Intelligence Unit, presumably an independent source in regard to the economy. A particular line in that article states, "... it will be obvious that its cause was not global economic conditions or some other misfortune, but mismanagement of spending, revenues and the wider budgeting process", something we have been saying for some time. This statement comes from an independent source. It is important the truth of that statement is identified and accepted.