David Norris (Independent)

I join many colleagues in calling for a debate on the economy. We are in a serious situation with new issues arising every day. The impact of a possible €500 annual increase in the cost of health insurance for families will inevitably force people into sole reliance on the public health service which is already creaking and groaning, so to speak. It is important that we discuss these issues and we need to know the facts. I was interested to hear this morning's remarks by George Lee that the Department of Finance got the figures wrong. I have made the same point on many occasions over the years in this House. It was pointed out to me by a friend who is a bank manager that it always gets them wrong. The forecasts were inaccurate when revenues were rising and they are inaccurate now when they are falling. In the absence of these types of critical data, how is it possible to plan?

The serious financial situation internationally is not a natural disaster but a man-made development. As such, it should be susceptible to being redirected by intelligent thought. Perhaps we can play some role in this. We need new businesses and an entrepreneurial element. I heard a young man speaking on the radio this morning about his business, which produces wooden computers that are biodegradable and recyclable, last for seven years and can be updated. The name of the company sounded like "I'm a con", so I initially thought it was a joke. However, it sounds like exactly the type of entrepreneurship we need. We discuss the economy every day in this House but only on the Order of Business. There must be a structured debate because this issue is currently forcing everything else off the only part of our business which receives some media coverage, in The Irish Times and on "Oireachtas Report".

I am glad that Senator Fitzgerald raised the question of the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, the Irish Human Rights Commission and other bodies. It is essential that the leader of the main Opposition party in the House should hammer home this point. Senator Regan has also raised it, as have Labour Party Members and my Independent colleagues, and there is support on the Government side. I have tabled a motion on this issue on the Order Paper and also proposed it yesterday as an Adjournment matter. Unfortunately, although I put on the record figures that would have answered Senator Walsh and produced and issued a script, there was no media coverage of what I said. It does not matter whose voice it is but the issue must be aired in this House. These groups have been selected and specifically targeted because they are fulfilling their statutory function of being critical of the Government. That is the reason they are going. I was astonished to hear Senator Walsh suggest a type of deregulation or privatisation of this area, which would kill off the statutory bodies. Is he not aware the Human Rights Commission is legally established under the Good Friday Agreement?

I appeal to the Leader to facilitate this debate. It was heartening to hear Senator Callely, as chairman of the Oireachtas sub-committee on human rights, speak out in support of these groups. I would not like the impression to be given that Fianna Fáil was intent on spancelling the voices of the poor. Senator Mullen spoke about a nuanced approach to equality. I am a simple person and there is either equality or there is not, unless one takes the Orwellian line that some people are more equal than others.

I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate as soon as possible on the report of the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, who expressed real concern about the non-implementation of the guidelines, that is, the three-point plan of recognising a situation of abuse, reporting it and responding to it. There is no response. We will walk into a situation similar to that in England with Baby P if we are not careful. A disaster is waiting. We must recognise the situation here and support the groups involved.

These things are taking place within the family. I have warned against making a shibboleth of the family. Families are wonderful when they are good. One of the nasty slogans of the pro-life campaign was that the most dangerous place for a baby to be was in the womb. There are times when it is not so safe within the family so let us understand the family. Even I come from a family; I did not come down the hot tap in the bathroom. Let us look at the family, but let us look at it in a reasonably intelligent and critical fashion.