John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I want to raise a couple of issues with the Leader. We had a full discussion in the House yesterday on the issue of Seanad reform, and I welcomed the opportunity to have that. Following on from a document produced by my party yesterday, we need to set that debate in a wider context of reform of the Oireachtas in general, necessitating the reform of the Dáil and Seanad as well as the committee structure. Whether the Government chooses to accept it, there is a perception that many Members of the Oireachtas receive additional payments for work which should be part of their parliamentary activity, regardless of needing additional payments. The reality is that there are only two or three Members of the other House, I believe, who are not in such remunerated positions. It is necessary at this juncture, when we are seeking solidarity between workers in the public and private sectors, that the Oireachtas and the Government lead by example. We should have a full discussion at the earliest possible opportunity on reform of the systems in the Oireachtas, particularly the committees.

The issue of ministerial pensions being paid to Members of either House who are still sitting, was also raised yesterday. This is an issue that affects a number of people in this House as well as in the other Chamber. It is wrong, I believe, that serving Members of the Oireachtas are in receipt of ministerial pensions while they draw their salaries as Members of the Dáil or Seanad.

I want to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, calling on the Leader to arrange a debate on the economy this afternoon when we finish the Harbours (Amendment) Bill. There is ample time today for a two-hour debate when that Bill is concluded, to discuss with the Opposition views and opinions we have to put forward in advance of the budget. The Minister for Finance was quite clear in his views as expressed a couple of weeks ago to the effect he wanted proposals from the Opposition. Members of my party will be making submissions to the Government, but it is only correct that at this stage before the budget, we in this House on all sides should have an opportunity to put forward our views in advance of its drafting. It is not just good enough to be told we will be involved in some type of co-operative effort after the budget has been drafted. We need to be involved now in advance of its preparation. I hope the Leader can accede to the request for that debate today when we finish with the Harbours (Amendment) Bill.

I want to mention yesterday's march in Belfast which was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that saw thousands of people from all denominations and none take to the streets in peace and solidarity to express their revulsion over the dreadful acts that have taken place in Northern Ireland within the last week. I compliment the people who arranged that event. There are other people, however, north and south of the Border who have information about what happened in those two attacks and who continue to support the activities of the rump groups which threaten to drag us back to the dark days we thought we had seen the end of. Graffiti has appeared in my area within the last few months supporting these organisations, which was not there before. There are obviously still people who support those who carried out those dreadful acts and it is up to all of us, inside and outside the Oireachtas, to ensure they are called to justice.

I want to express my horror and disgust at the incidents in Germany and the United States, respectively, yesterday where 26 people lost their lives in two appalling shooting incidents. I want to pass on my sympathies to the families of those who were killed and injured.