Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader if it is intended the House will sit next week. He might clarify the matter at the end of business today. There are many important issues we should discuss when we next meet. The trade unions made it clear again yesterday that they plan to engage in industrial action, while almost 16,000 families presented a petition to the Taoiseach urging the Government not to deliver yet another child unfriendly budget. It appears there is a danger that the Houses will be sidelined in the debate on the public finances. It is critical, therefore, that we have an opportunity to air our views in the House on the critical decisions that will have to be taken before the next budget.