Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

As the Cathaoirleach knows well, the Independent benches are very ably represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges by the long-standing Senator O'Toole. I strongly suggest that his colleagues on the Independent benches liaise with their leader in relation to such matters.

Senators Frances Fitzgerald, Joe O'Toole, Alex White, David Norris, Phil Prendergast, Ann Ormonde, Liam Twomey, Mary White, Rónán Mullen, Joe O'Reilly and John Paul Phelan expressed strong views regarding many issues today, particularly budgetary matters. As we all know, we will have statements tomorrow on the NAMA business plan. My intention is to have at least two pre-budget debates, where colleagues may express their views. As the course of events changes by the month, it is still a long way to budget time and there is no difficulty in having time set aside for this to take place. Today's set of challenges could be even more serious in six weeks' time and that is the difficulty we find ourselves in as regards the global downturn.

On the remark made to the effect that the higher earners should pay more, we all agree with that. The facts and statistics show that 4% of people are paying 50% of income tax that is taken in at the present.