Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I was also glad to hear about Deputy Sherlock's comments. I view with concern the move towards strikes and protests. I am thinking of the day of protest on Friday and the day of action on 24 November. An all-party motion in which we would express our concern about this wrong approach to the crisis is necessary. In our statement, we should deplore the effects that the pursuit of selfish or sectoral interests could have on the most vulnerable.

Today, I heard directly about the most vulnerable in our society. I never heard as impassioned a presentation as that of Professor John Monaghan of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul this afternoon. He pointed out that, in terms of food, Ireland is the second most expensive European country, a situation unchanged by deflation. He discussed this point in the context of there being no moral justification for a cut in social welfare or pension payments. He hoped for the reinstatement of the Christmas bonus, which has tended to be used for basics such as heat, light, food and clothing. The most vulnerable in our society should be the focus in the coming weeks in the lead-up to the budget.

Last week, there was a report on a sad issue relating to children diagnosed with Down's syndrome. In England, more than 90% of such children are aborted. It is sad that, in Ireland, the figure is something like 50%. Professor Fergal Malone of the Rotunda Hospital pointed out that the difference was because children with Down's syndrome are more visible and accepted in our communities here. That is certainly true. Perhaps he should also have pointed out that it owes to legalised abortion being seen as a right in some countries and as a fundamental violation of human rights in others, such as Ireland.

In the run-up to the budget, our primary focus should be on the most vulnerable in society, including families supporting children with disabilities. When it comes to making the right choice, they should always be supported in our laws and budgetary arrangements.