Shane Ross (Independent)

The trend of the Government has been constantly to find a crutch which would allow it to share the blame. If it is not the social partners who, God knows, will probably be brought back into the equation in the coming weeks, it is the Opposition that will be the crutch, and therefore I beg Opposition Members to be careful.

Yesterday's figures indicate we are very close to national bankruptcy if nothing is done. I urge the Government to take urgent measures now rather than waiting for the next set of figures before responding because all that will do is undermine confidence.

I ask the Deputy Leader if we can possibly hold a debate in the Seanad on the budget in advance of its announcement. Although I am doubtful about it, the Government seems to listen to every dog on the street about the necessary measures, but we are never given the opportunity to outline our views until the budget is published and, therefore, we become irrelevant. If the Government is serious about taking suggestions and a bit of flac, let us hold a debate here in advance of the budget and see whether it takes on board our views.