Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

In light of the impending budget and Friday's national day of protest, will the Leader facilitate a debate on social partnership? Never before was social partnership more needed. I am not sure if the Members opposite understand that we are bordering on civil unrest. People are genuinely angry and frustrated at being unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The absence of leadership from the Government is part of the problem. I hope Friday's demonstrations are not a catalyst for people to engage in a different course of action. It will give people an opportunity to protest and agitate. A pre-budget debate is urgently needed. Why can we not include IBEC and ICTU in a meaningful debate rather than merely making statements? This is not a question of political processes or votes. This is about the lives of ordinary people, many of whom are suffering hardship. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul published its pre-budget submission today. The document's title - Don't Push Them Over the Edge - goes to the kernel of the problem. Politicians, specifically the Government, must not push people who cannot give any more over the edge. RTE is pitching the public sector against the private sector and other media are commenting on the issue. Senator O'Toole is correct; economists do not have a bloody clue. They should be put into a boat to set sail from Roche's Point and remain offshore.

I am proud to congratulate the people of my city on Cork's success in making the Lonely Planet guide's list of the top ten places to visit in the world. I place this matter on record because I had hoped Senator Norris would refer to it.