Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that before No. 1, we take No. 34, motion No. 26. This motion, which was seconded by Senator Quinn, calls for a debate on the proposed day of action and the proposed strike. From time to time as we meet different groups, we speak about the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot have sectoral interests insist their rights and privileges are not interfered with while at the same time hope that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other groups doing important work in our society are not frustrated at budget time. This is a time for unity and solidarity and for letting the Government govern and legislators debate the merits of various proposals. Strikes will force the hand in favour of particular sectoral interests to the detriment of vulnerable members of society. I hope the Leader will accept this amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Harris spoke about the need for a bipartisan and a tri-partisan approach. We could achieve a quadra-partisan approach with the Government, Fine Gael, the Labour Party and, I hope, the Independents supporting this motion.