David Norris (Independent)

I very much agree with Senator Fitzgerald and applaud her judicious approach in stating this side of the House, including both the Opposition and Independents, will support the Government on necessary measures that are prudent and in the interest of the people.

Everybody's attention is focused on the economy. It did not give me any pleasure to hear an international correspondent on the radio this morning describe Ireland as one of the most troubled economies in Europe. However, it is a fact and we must find our way out. It is not just a question of economics and of impressing our European allies or those discredited agencies such Standard & Poor's, or of rescuing our own blackguardly banks. There must be a commitment to fairness. The Government has, above all else, a duty of care to its citizens and to provide and underpin health, welfare and safety. It has not done so satisfactorily to date. The abolition of agencies such the Equality Authority, and the Combat Poverty Agency in particular, was disastrous as we sail into this financial maelstrom.

Fairness is what we will be looking for in this budget, in addition to the protection of ordinary citizens. Senator Fitzgerald mentioned cystic fibrosis. I listened to the developments in this regard and am delighted. Ms Orla Tinsley, that courageous, wonderful young woman, said she was glad of the progress made but it is still pie in the sky. We want that pie landed for the people with cystic fibrosis. I find it difficult to believe at this critical time the talk of builders being in a position to build now and get paid later. Will the Leader ensure the Minister for Health and Children comes to the House to give us solid, cast-iron guarantees that can be cashed at the end of the day to ensure this gets done?

Social welfare is an important element. I sometimes wonder whether this House is listened to because it is three to five months since I raised the question of people who are not citizens of this country collecting social welfare. I asked the Minister whether such people were asked to provide identification. I was told people were having their welfare collected and sent back to eastern Europe for them. That is a scandal in these times when everybody who is deservedly on social welfare needs to be protected from cuts.

I was horrified when I heard this morning of the cuts of €30 million that are to affect Dublin City Council. Reference is being made to cutbacks that are to affect the fire brigade and overtime payments. Fires do not occur within office hours and we must ensure therefore the cutbacks do not expose people to danger.

With regard to road repairs, every aspect of transport must be examined in terms of infrastructure, even my own beloved metro. I believe the metro will withstand the test and I am glad the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, is holding out in this regard. On the question of cutting back on road repairs, has any Member of the House recently been on the campshires along Dublin's north quays? There is a catastrophic hole outside the main conference centre that would be break one's axle.