Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join with other Senators in their concern over the deteriorating Irish economy. I heard the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on the radio this morning and, like other Senators, I was not greatly impressed. He has ruled out further taxes and seems to have ruled out a stimulus package. He said he will have to examine spending cuts. The Leader has kindly arranged for the Minister to be in this House on Friday. I ask that when he comes here he makes a clear statement that those least well able to bear the brunt of any cuts are protected when these additional cuts are put forward.

In the lead up to Christmas many shoppers will purchase gift vouchers for their friends and families. Some people may not be aware that these have a finite life in many cases. It is up to the individual store as to whether they will ask for five years, one year or less. Countries such as the United States have enacted legislation to put a minimum timescale on the validity of these gift vouchers. I ask the Leader to make some noise on this issue to ensure customers are aware that when they go into a shop they should ask for how long these gift vouchers will be valid and if they do not get the answer they like, they can go to another shop, preferably in the South.

I raise an issue of which Members may not be aware but which is of great importance to the people of Louth and Meath, that is, planning and zoning for thousands of additional houses in the south Drogheda area. Questions are being asked locally and nationally about the process being followed in this regard. This morning on Michael Reade's show on LMFM, the local radio station, the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, stated that a very unorthodox planning process is taking place that has ended up in a major controversy that requires someone's examination. Is the former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at odds with the current Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this issue? Is an examination needed and is one forthcoming? Can the Leader arrange for the current Minister to make a statement on this matter?