Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I welcome Senator Cannon to the Fine Gael team today. I must comment on the disparity in the figures being quoted by various Government members at present. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, mentioned the possibility of €6 billion in cuts and then corrected himself, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, said last night that the figures are not really the point and the Government was not focusing on them. However, the figures do make quite a difference. A sum of €1.5 billion would have a major impact on people's lives. Whether it is money for special needs, for a family which needs subvention for an elderly relative, or for an autistic child who needs a new special needs class in his or her school, many sections of society will be severely affected depending on the level of Government borrowing and where savings are to be made. It is essential we have clarity on this. I ask the Leader to ensure the Minister for Finance comes to the House as quickly as possible to discuss the Government budget strategy so we can have a proper pre-budget debate on Thursday when the House is scheduled to discuss the budget.

It is ridiculous for the Government to talk about the Opposition putting forward proposals when the figures are in such dispute. The numbers mentioned by the Taoiseach have gone from €2 billion to €4 billion and potentially to €6 billion. In that context, and without a full briefing for the Opposition, it is difficult to have a real discussion. We want proper information, which we have not yet got from the Department of Finance, proper details and proper briefings. That is essential if we are to have a full debate in the House on Thursday.

Will the Leader arrange a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, along with the Cathaoirleach, to discuss how the business of the House can be done more efficiently? We have had several proposals from Fine Gael in this regard and these need to be taken further at the next meeting of the committee.