Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Although Members were lectured repeatedly on jobs, the measure proposed yesterday contained nothing to sustain or create jobs. Nothing was done on PRSI relief for employers to create new jobs or to improve the position on VAT and there was no green economy stimulus. This budget is lacking on essentials. Measures that Members proposed and thought the Government agreed constituted essential ingredients are absent, which is extraordinary. For those reasons and others, I second the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Norris regarding the rating agency Moody's. I do not understand how such organisations rate banks either because the bottom line is — this is another reason the Minister should come before the House — we have not received the details on the proposed State asset management agency under the aegis of the National Treasury Management Agency. A press conference on this issue is to be held some time today and I suggest the Minister should come before the House immediately afterwards. Unless banking stability is achieved, there will be no economic recovery and Members need to hear greater detail on this subject, as well as the other matters, from the Minister today.