Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

In line with what my colleague, Senator Jim Walsh, stated, we need to look at public sector pay, particularly in the higher regions, whether it is reduced by 10%, 15% or 20%. Otherwise, I fear we will be back in September to look at the books once more.

As it is world autism day, the amount of supports for carers, who save the State some €400,000 in terms of free medical care, must be maintained. In line with the various supports in place, we must also ensure there is appropriate enforcement. As Members will be well aware, there are serious abuses of the social welfare system and as resources are now more scarce, we must be smart about how we apply them. With that in mind, I call for a debate on Science Foundation Ireland. For €180 million a year we get a tremendous return in the level of research and development, laying the foundations which will take this economy forward for many decades to come. While I am aware resources are scarce, perhaps we could look at increasing investment in the schemes and awards made available by Science Foundation Ireland.