Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader facilitate a debate on the issue of social partnership? Never in the history of the State have we required social partnership more. I agree with Senator Donohoe, who is spot on. It is absurd that Ministers are paid exorbitant sums of money, well in excess of what they deserve. The Senator is correct to say we should cap the salaries of Deputies because we cannot afford to pay some members of the Government who are under-performing.

Will the Leader organise a debate on tourism? He is involved in tourism and the industry is in great decline. We have an airport tax which is unjust and is a barrier to people coming to this country. Senator Cannon referred to other countries which have got rid of the travel tax whereas we have done the exact opposite and put a levy on people coming to Ireland. I hope the Leader will be succinct in his reply to the questions I asked at the beginning of my contribution.