John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with the comments made by Senator Fitzgerald at the start of the Order of Business on the differing opinions on figures of two Ministers during the weekend. Deputy Martin made an extraordinary contribution where he stated the Government was not examining the figures in detail. This is what has landed us in the position in which we are. We have had a budget a month since the original budget was brought forward last October. The Government did not look closely at the figures in any of the subsequent announcements. The Minister for Foreign Affairs should clarify what he meant by his comments. I hope the Government is examining the figures. We need clarity from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance on what savings and tax increases, if any, are being examined. We see a hugely divergent range at present and we need clarity.

Will the Leader clarify whether the Minister for Finance will come before the House on Thursday? He made a number of extraordinary contributions during the week we were not sitting owing to St. Patrick's Day. He spoke about the ridiculous decision to increase VAT, something on which everyone in the Opposition commented at the time. Everybody pointed out that it would have a negative impact on retail expenditures and tax income, but he ignored us. Now he seems to be admitting that he made a mistake. He also muttered something about the banking system in Ireland having the support of Frankfurt. Perhaps in the debate on banking that is being sought by Senator Ross and others, he might clarify his position on that issue.

I share the concerns of colleagues on the proposed national strike next Monday. It would be economically disastrous for the country if this strike were to go ahead. I hope that whatever measures can be taken by the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and the relevant Ministers with regard to the union leadership can result in the strike being called off. We need to have a sense of solidarity, but Senator Buttimer is right to say that a wedge has been successfully driven between the public and the private sector by the Government in recent months. We have seen no leadership from the Government, given that there are up to ten staff employed in many junior ministerial offices throughout the country, and there has been no leadership from the Oireachtas to resolve the cost of the committee structure and the cost of these Houses. If we are looking for the trade unions to act responsibly, then we also need to provide leadership. That has been striking in its absence from any Government pronouncements over recent months.