John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I also ask the Leader for a debate on the report of an bord snip nua when it becomes available. During the last debate on the Lisbon treaty, it seemed that a new question was put whenever another question was answered. For instance, if the question of neutrality was answered, a question was asked about taxation. If that was answered, some hidden codicil meant that a referendum could never be held again. This only goes to prove that the Seanad would be well served were all parties to table their proposals on what they believe are necessary taxes and cuts. It is what an bord snip nua is doing. Instead of the Opposition stating that X, Y and Z person would be hurt by every cut, the people would be well served were those parties to table their proposals, which they have never done. In every radio and television interview, Opposition parties have always refused to answer the simple question of what they would cut and what taxes they would introduce.