Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Some time ago, a debate was held in this House on the Irish Constitution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. It is worth noting the contributions people have made to that Constitution in the development of personal rights, which has given us a charter that is second to none in the world. I make this point because judges such as the former Supreme Court judge, Séamus Henchy, at critical times when politicians and the political system failed, delivered critical judgments such as in the McGee case regarding the right to bodily integrity and the right of married women to contraceptives. Mr. Justice Henchy also delivered a minority judgment in the Norris case on the criminalisation of homosexual acts. I also note his decision in respect of the Single European Act case, which required referenda because of a doubt as to the compatibility of that treaty with the Irish Constitution. Mr. Justice Henchy, who was a resident of Monkstown, passed away on Sunday and his funeral will take place tomorrow. His contribution to the Constitution we have today, a modern Constitution for a modern Ireland, was of great significance and I acknowledge it.

Successive Fianna Fáil Governments, including the present Government, have been elected on give-away budgets that have been unsustainable in the long term. It hope it does not expect to be congratulated when it claws it all back in the budget today and in succeeding budgets. It is very important to place responsibility on, and to acknowledge, those responsible for the difficulties we face. I note it is reported in today's newspapers that the Government intends to reduce the number of Ministers of State, even though it voted against a Fine Gael motion in that regard some weeks ago.