Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

It should be accepted as a principle that we no longer set about solving budgetary difficulties on the backs of the weak and poor, which was attempted last week. Happily, the public outcry has reversed this. It is incumbent on the Leader to seek clarity from the Government on the 1% levy and announce that the many employees on the minimum wage and those engaged in home help, baby-sitting and such jobs will no longer be subject to it. It is absolutely inequitable and it is important that the money be found elsewhere.

My colleague Senator Healy Eames would agree that the position on class sizes needs to be reversed.

On a happy note, I beg the Cathaoirleach's indulgence to allow me refer to the fact that the Irish Business Against Litter league has, in its most recent tranche of results, placed Cavan town first among the towns with more than 6,000 inhabitants. I ask the Leader to acknowledge this in his response, as I know he will. This tremendous result is a testament to the work of the town clerk, town engineer, county manager, executive of the council and, in particular, the outdoor staff. We are very proud of the result in Cavan and it would be nice to have it acknowledged unanimously by the House and to have it conveyed to the relevant authority.