Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the agreement reached concerning the Order of Business on Fridays. I support the comments of Senator Fitzgerald and others regarding the Lisbon treaty. It is important that the Taoiseach and the Government bring their plans to both Houses. The declarations or protocols on abortion, euthanasia, neutrality, military alliances and so on were more important than the Commissioner issue, but everyone has a view on that. We look forward to the Leader's response to this issue.

What is the Government prepared to do to bring about a level playing pitch between the North and the South, particularly in Border areas in terms of the VAT differential of 21.5% and 15%. This large differential has saved consumers going to the North approximately 30%, notably in terms of clothes, groceries, alcohol and other goods. These recessionary times are difficult, but we do not want to put more small businesses to the wall. Given that they have been badly hit, what we are doing is unfair. I urge the Leader to ask the Government to do something and I look forward to his response. If the situation is allowed to continue, the people in question will be levelled.