Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I refer to the last point raised by Senator Norris. I applaud him each time he raises a human rights issue in the Chamber. This matter should not be left lying. All these issues are important and there should be a method to ensure there is proactive follow-up each time such an issue is raised. I hope the matter raised by the Senator will be taken up and that there will be a response to it.

Senator McFadden's comments this morning on the decorum, or lack of it, in this House were like a breath of fresh air. I have raised this issue in the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The problem of interruptions has been very distressing, especially in this Seanad. If we act like a circus, we will be perceived as one. That is not fair to this House which has served the State and the nation well. I hope everybody takes Senator McFadden's message on board.

With regard to the economy, most people have braced themselves for a particularly difficult budget. Undoubtedly, the trade unions will look after their members particularly well, as they should. I hope strike action will not be the net result of their actions because I do not believe that will help the country. As I mentioned yesterday, this House has held a particularly energised debate on its existence and future. I wish we could be as energised on social issues. I am particularly concerned about the messages being conveyed at present regarding social welfare recipients. There might be anomalies in the social welfare system but there are families in dire straits. To take even a few euro from those people will push them over the line. The Members of this House live pretty well. We will not be hungry, cold or traumatised. We are well paid and have good expenses. I believe it is time we gave a voice to the people who do not have a voice at present. There should be a discussion, before the final decisions are made, about people in the social welfare net who are there not because they want it but because the system generally has failed them. It would be very bad if such people in a country like Ireland that has done so well from the Celtic tiger economy were to suffer any further. I hope we get the opportunity to express our views on this issue in the future.