Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Fitzgerald's proposal to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the economy. As regards the decision by Dublin City Council to increase rates, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has adopted the Fianna Fáil Party mantra of calling on people to be patriotic when the Republic's VAT rate is being increased by 0.5% while the rate in the North is being decreased by 2.5%. A bottle of whiskey is already €14 cheaper in the North. People are trying to spread their money as far as possible and cannot be blamed for seeking best value and the best return for their money. The Government is failing dramatically to reduce prices and to encourage businesses, especially smaller enterprises. Statistics published in recent days reveal the extent of job losses in the small business sector. I ask the Leader to arrange an urgent debate with the Minister to discuss this serious issue.

I also call on Fianna Fáil led councils not to increase commercial rates. Like the Leader, I am elected to represent the whole country. I ask him to show leadership in this area because he is aware of the importance of the issue.

I concur with Senator O'Malley's comments on the serious issue of violence in the home. One in six Irish women has been abused by a current or former partner. It is shocking that this abuse takes place behind closed doors and that women must suffer in this manner without recourse, especially in rural areas where people find it much more difficult to report this serious crime. I call for an urgent debate on the matter in the House with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. As with other Senators, I have asked without success for a number of Ministers to come before the House. Contrary to what Senator O'Malley's believes, I have been present for debates.

A serious road traffic accident took place on a particularly bad regional road in County Westmeath this morning. I extend my sympathy to the poor, unfortunate family of the lady who lost her life in the incident. The Oireachtas must take a decision to upgrade the road in question, which has been an issue for a long time.