Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I agree with the points made by Senator Fitzgerald. How many times have we discussed the importance of the Upper House and that it should be relevant, topical, responsible, caring and retain a connection with ordinary people? That is what this is about. If it is being discussed on every radio talk show, in every lounge in every pub and at every dinner table in every house, it is daft not to discuss it here. If everybody in the whole country is debating the issue, we should debate it too. I have tabled the following motion:

That Seanad Éireann strongly recommends that the Government:

excludes the minimum wage from the proposed 1% income levy;

reinstates in full the universal entitlement of the over 70s to a medical card; and

reverses the budget proposal to worsen class sizes in primary and post-primary schools.

I recognise that it is not possible to take the motion at this time.