Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

The National Economic and Social Forum has brought out another document debating social inclusion and where we should go from here. It would be ideal to have an opportunity to discuss the way forward and how best we can help those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly or those caring for children, get back into employment.

There is a golden opportunity to discuss the issue because of the budget. I wish the Minister, Deputy Lenihan, every success this afternoon and I know it will be a fair budget. I hope we will have many constructive contributions from all sides of the House about the budget. This is the only way forward and we must think about it. Many issues will arise in today's budget which will give us an opportunity to use the Seanad as a way of expounding on such issues and how best to move forward with the social partners, the social inclusion forum and our policymakers in order that we can work together to make Ireland a better place for us all. I look forward to the debate resulting from this afternoon's budget. I ask that we all work together on this and make constructive contributions. That is all I want.