Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader confirm that the House will have an opportunity to debate health issues with the Minister, Deputy Harney, next week, even though the Government was fairly and squarely handbagged by the elderly when it attempted to steal the medical cards from them? This week we are seeing what can only be described as schoolyard bully tactics in the Government's handling of the education sector and the effect the cutbacks will have on our children. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to have a debate on the effects the educational cutbacks will have on school children.

I would like the Minister for Finance to return to the House. There are major concerns over his first budget two weeks ago, which is falling apart day by day. Great concerns have been raised in business circles as to whether it will solve the problems it was meant to solve. It is creating more confusion regarding how the country is being run rather than solving issues. I would like the Minister to come in here because the uncertainty surrounding the economy is causing major concerns for everybody involved.