Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I do not blame the Cathaoirleach in any way but the initial issue needs to be sorted out because the uncertainty has grown over the years. Afterwards yesterday people discussing the matter wondered what exactly is the position. We need to discuss this matter.

Taking up the issue raised by Senator Fitzgerald, we need to have a broad discussion on the economy. We need to hear another view on the tax reform group and the McCarthy report, issues which we have not discussed. We must discuss how we deal with this society. It is not just an economy, it is a society of people. We must achieve a balance between getting the economy right and treating all the people fairly. We need to recognise that people cannot be steamrolled. I resent and reject the media question about whether the Government has the bottle. It is very easy to have the bottle to steamroll over people who cannot articulate their points of view, do not have a voice or solid representation. It is not a question of bottle but fairness and equity and considering the issue from all points of view. It would be very helpful to have a general debate covering the tax reform report, the McCarthy report and related matters so that people can say how they see the economy going.

The Government cannot afford to do business sitting in an ivory tower in Merrion Street talking down to people without getting its hands dirty. It needs to get down and dirty or else we can rent the space outside the Kildare Street gate from now until Christmas because there will be some group out there every week and that will grow and grow. We need to head that off at the pass.