John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I did not interrupt the Senator but he might note, if he checks the record, that the two budgets in the past 12 months were preceded by statements from the Fine Gael finance spokesperson on where specific cuts could be made and the same will happen in advance of the budget on 9 December.

I join Senator Hannigan in congratulating CIE on its speedy success on the Dublin-Belfast line. Will the Leader ascertain what will happen on the Dublin-Wexford line? No sooner had one problem been solved when another emerged yesterday morning, which will seriously discommode many people who travel by train daily from the south east to Dublin daily to work. May we have a debate before the budget on the future of the semi-State sector, with particular reference to a number of difficulties that have emerged in CIE and a number of other semi-State bodies? They account for a significant proportion of public expenditure and we should have a discussion on the sector before the budget is finalised.

I support colleagues who have expressed disagreement with the Department of Education and Science's announcement on the provision of laptops. This is a good idea but based on where the Leader comes from, he will probably verify my view that one cannot access broadband services, including satellite broadband, everywhere. This is also the case in large chunks of counties Kilkenny and Carlow. Providing laptops in schools where broadband is non-existent is akin to installing light fittings in buildings without providing an electricity supply. While I agree it is a desirable objective and it is easy for those who represent urban areas to support it, this new provision will have no impact on those whose children go to school in rural Ireland where the infrastructure is not in place.

Like previous speakers, I also condemn Allied Irish Banks over the leaked report that it will appoint another insider to the post of managing director. The bank previously appointed an insider as chairman. We own 25% of the institution and the Minister for Finance has pushed the NAMA legislation through both Houses. He has significant clout in the Act to ensure the banks follow his lead and he should take action.