Dan Boyle (Green Party)

There is great merit in the Bill. The intention of the Government is to bring forward the more all-embracing legislation. If the Senator's Bill remains on the Order Paper until we debate the Government's wider Bill, we can see where we are with respect to the loophole concerning the ability of the Director of Corporate Enforcement to examine mutual societies. The Senator's point regarding the European directive on the auditing of companies is valid. It should have been transposed by the middle of last year. This highlights the failure in regulation by not following through on this. If we are to introduce a new culture in regulation and auditing, we must be much better at enforcing measures such as this.

The policy regarding an asset management agency or a bad bank is subject to further discussion. I am informed the Minister for Finance will use the opportunity next Tuesday not only to outline budgetary measures to deal with the public finances but also to give a roadmap on general economic issues, of which there is general expectation and in which all of us in the political process need to be involved.

Senator Callely raised the establishment of an expert group on health sector funding. There is reluctance to establish new groups in the public sector but the need for this group is important, given that while the Department of Social and Family Affairs is responsible for 40% of public expenditure, the Department of Health and Children expends a large wedge on top of that and we need to ensure we are making suitable efficiencies. The group will be chaired by Professor Frances Ruane, director of the ESRI, which is a good appointment. The group will do good work.

Senator Regan raised the social welfare cuts and the issue of leadership. I suspect one of the factors behind the statement made on radio earlier is the impending change in leadership in IBEC. If that leads to this type of debate and thinking, it raises concerns about what will happen in the social partnership process, in particular, and it is good of the House to ensure its concerns are expressed and that this quality of debate and thinking cannot be considered in our future development.

The Senator also discussed Fine Gael's economic proposals. During Private Members' business last night, we discussed an aspect of them. He seemed to argue that we cannot and should not increase taxes. I agree increasing taxes too much and too quickly would make it difficult for the economy to recover. We apply the wrong taxes in this country and we tax unfairly and disproportionately. People on higher incomes, in particular, do not pay enough. However, we are still a low tax society and we must address that issue. We cannot make the two pieces of not collecting enough and spending too much fit and to claim, as does the Fine Gael document, that we can bring about the economic progress we need by tax cuts is not particularly intellectually honest.

I was challenged by Senator Regan that we can tax ourselves out of existence in making an economic recovery but the opposite is also true. The only way to achieve a programme of tax cuts is to introduce further and deeper public expenditure cuts. If that is what Fine Gael is saying, it needs to more honest and admit it. We cannot have diverging approaches at this critical time in our economic history.

Senator Leyden raised the re-emergence of rural crime, especially the savage murder in County Offaly, and the need to support initiatives such as the community alert scheme. This excellent initiative predates the neighbourhood watch scheme and is organised by Muintir na Tíre.

Senator Quinn referred to the EU agreement on credit card fees, which will be helpful, especially as the level of personal debt in Ireland is a major issue, which we are probably still avoiding. It is many times the level of national debt and it also needs to be corrected if the economy is to work again. He also raised the question of a fixed date for Easter. I am not inclined in terms of the calendar or ecclesiastically to say whether I agree but I will pass on the question.

Senator Daly highlighted the statement of the Israeli Foreign Minister that there is no need for concessions. His view will be passed on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new Israeli Foreign Minister is the leader of a new party that is challenging the existing parties in the country. The party had a successful election and it is very much to the right of existing parties, particularly Likud. His position will determine the direction of foreign policy in that country in the future.

Senator Donohoe and others referred to the question of national security and the finding of bomb-making facilities in his local area. Senator Buttimer reinforced that point. There can be no tolerance for these activities. We should congratulate the Garda on their efforts in seeking them out.

Senator Harris also said we must be vigilant and cannot be complacent about changes in security on the island, and Northern Ireland. There are positive signs. The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly took place in Donegal at the start of this week with all parties, from all parts of the island, represented there. They discussed these issues quite thoroughly. I am somewhat optimistic that we can tackle the threats posed by this insignificantly small group of people by supporting the forces that uphold justice, and that we can advance matters politically, especially the devolution of policing.

Senator Keaveney spoke about the use of the mosquito device and other devices that are harmful and abused in terms of young people. I will pass those comments on to the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for children and youth affairs. She referred also to the situation in Northern Ireland and talked about the insignificance of fines for cigarette smuggling. Many are concerned about this and it should be addressed in future legislation.

Senators Bacik and Norris gave a half-hearted welcome to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges' proposed changes in the Order of Business. I am sure the House will welcome the motion when it is put a few minutes.

Senator Ó Murchú commented on the social welfare cuts and the role of people such as the director of IBEC. Several Members spoke about the carer's allowance and strategy and the presence of representatives of the Carers Association outside the Houses today. The publication of the carers' strategy, even without its financial element, would be a welcome step. It must be a better document, however, than the present one. It must make clear promises about where the strategy is going. We must be particularly aware that any talk of reducing payments to carers is a false economy. If the State had the resources to provide that care fully it would cost billions of euro more than it does now. I hope a carers' strategy will see the light of day before the end of the year.

There were many contributions and I apologise if there are Members to whom I have not referred and will seek to make information available to them by other means.