Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I concur with Senators Bradford and O'Sullivan in calling for a debate on the dairy industry. It is going through a difficult period and it is a very important sector.

Will the Leader arrange a debate on the regulatory authorities we have? Senators raised the issue of the fixed line cost which is outlandish. I stated at the time it happened that it was done to prevent competitors to Eircom entering the market. The response yesterday from the communications regulator was anaemic to say the least. We have spoken about how ineffective the Financial Regulator was. This is replicated in a number of the regulatory authorities. We need to debate this urgently.

I concur 100% with everything Senator Butler stated on consultants and the medical profession and the manner in which they take obscene levels of money from the taxpayers, their clients and patients. I have discussed this matter with my constituent colleague and Senator Kelly and I am prepared to sign a motion seeking a reduction in the pay of hospital consultants, which is approximately €250,000, to the level in Britain, which I believe is €160,000 although it has also been suggested that it is €100,000.

People, especially the political editor of the Irish Independent, are focusing on the salaries of politicians. I have no difficulty with people challenging what we receive. However, if this is the case then equally people earning €500,000 to €1 million should be challenged. Recently, I saw a ridiculous article in the Irish Independent complimenting the Minister for Finance for introducing an 8% levy on fees. This reduces the €2,500 being paid to people sitting in the tribunals to €2,300. It would be laughable if our financial situation was not so serious. I have drafted a motion on reducing the legal fees to what the Government decided in September and quite a number of Senators have signed it. However, not one Member of the Opposition has done so. They must consider whether they are in favour of the privileged or the underprivileged.