Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I share the discomfort of other Members with regard to passing the picket this morning of the Civil Public and Services Union. We have a responsibility to be in the House. This is not an all-out strike. I am a member of SIPTU and no instructions were received from other unions not to pass the picket. The staff on duty were aware of this and were very conscious and understanding of our position because we have a responsibility to be and speak in this House.

The Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, could not be here last night because the Bill was going through the other House. He was on duty all day and I appreciate that. Will the Leader organise a discussion on the timely intervention and interesting ideas put forward by the former Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, on "Morning Ireland" this morning? He appealed to all parties, particularly his former party, to adopt a more constructive approach on the national finances. It would be worthwhile to have a discussion on the difficulties facing the country and I ask the Leader for such a debate as early as possible and to invite the Minister for Finance.

I was in Dáil Éireann in 1981 when Garret FitzGerald's Minister for Finance, John Bruton, brought forward the most unlikely tax on children's shoes. I hope something more innovative——