Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Donohoe, Regan, Ross, Buttimer, Callely, Bacik and Harris referred to the statement made by the Taoiseach yesterday and, in general, welcomed it. I also welcome it. The Taoiseach has 25 years' experience as a Member of the Dáil and his sincere and genuine efforts to try to bring about agreement and consensus show that he is pursuing a wise course. I support everything that was said on the matter, particularly the comments made by Senator Harris to the effect that a post of Minister with responsibility for public sector reform should be created. Members on all sides of the House agree that there is a need for reform. I will pass on the views expressed by the Senators following the Order of Business.

In the context of the challenge faced by the Government, the officials of the relevant Department, the social partners and everyone concerned, common sense must prevail. There is major disquiet on all sides, no more so than among the 420,000 people who are unemployed. They are the real casualties of the difficulties caused by the global downturn and are being particularly affected in the run-up to Christmas.

Senator Regan and others referred to NAMA. They may reiterate the points they raised in the presence of the Minister when Second Stage is taken following the Order of Business.

Senators Fitzgerald and O'Toole requested a pre-budget debate. I have already given a commitment to arrange such a debate, during which the McCarthy report and the report of the Commission on Taxation can be discussed. It is hoped the debate will take place during the coming week. Senator O'Toole also referred to the social partners coming before the House in order to discuss this matter. Perhaps we might prevail upon the Cathaoirleach to allow a meeting of the CPP to take place later in the week in order to discover how we might progress the Senator's proposal.

Senator Leyden welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, in one of the Sunday newspapers to the effect that in the context of tiger kidnappings, life sentences should mean just that. I am sure colleagues on all sides agree with this policy. People's fear of the law must be restored. I commend the Minister on expressing his views on the matter yesterday. If he wishes to bring forward legislation in this regard, the House will assist in its safe passage.

Senators Hanafin, Callely, Donohoe, Quinn and Keaveney welcomed the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, a momentous occasion and a turning point in the history of the western world, in particular. It brought freedom to many millions who benefited greatly from its collapse. I wish the German people and all involved a joyous day of celebration.

Senator Buttimer called on the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to come to the House to discuss the challenges facing social welfare recipients. I remind the Senator that in 2000 children's allowance was approximately €34; it is now approximately €166 a month. There has been a significant improvement during the years and the Government can be proud of its achievements. The allocation is way above the cost of living and all the indices relating to allocations to the underprivileged and recipients of social welfare. As I have often said, for many families the most important issue on budget day concerns the allocations for the social welfare portfolio.

Senator Callely raised the issue of a code of conduct for banking. He has also suggested those with experience who have given their life's blood to the business of banking and who are probably appalled at what has happened in banking worldwide should not be discriminated against. I acknowledge the good people involved in banking and what they have done and are doing. We certainly need the most experienced people to assist the Department, the Minister and the country at this time. I agree with most of the sentiments expressed by the Senator in this regard.