John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on the public sector in the next session. While much has been said about the public sector with regard to cuts, perhaps not enough has been said about the wonderful work it does. I am conscious that the Irish renaissance in the 1960s came from Ken Whitaker and Seán Lemass, particularly as a result of the First Programme for Economic Expansion and the recognition of the need for Ireland to open up its markets. This will give the Opposition a chance to specify where the 20,000 job cuts it proposes in the public service will be made and how public services will be affected.