Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Frances Fitzgerald's proposal to amend the Order of Business. Will the Leader clarify whether the Minister for Finance and the Government will postpone the budget next week, given that we do not have the legislation before the House this week? Will the Leader clarify there will not be a change of plan regarding the budget? As others Senators have said, it is difficult to vote for something and then have a budget when we do not have the cost factor.

I join other speakers in raising the issue of political responsibility. It is important we have a debate on our duty as public representatives in light of the Morris tribunal findings. I welcome that Fianna Fáil Members support tribunals at last and their conversion is welcome.