Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I would like to start on a positive note. I thank the Irish team for the magnificent performance it gave in the Stade de France last night, particularly Wexford's Kevin Doyle who has been a fantastic addition to the team throughout the qualifying period. Unfortunately it did not qualify for the competition in South Africa but its effort was fantastic.

On another positive note, the Taoiseach's comments last night in regard to old age pensions are correct. We have to be careful that we do not hurt the most vulnerable in our society in the budget and I would like the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to give us a greater indication of what they are planning to do in the budget because they have been very tight lipped until now. There is a need for such a debate before the budget is announced on 9 December.

We should have a debate on Allied Irish Banks and the appointment of its new chief executive officer because this House becomes irrelevant when it is three weeks out of kilter with the major news items on the lips of the people of this country. It is a major issue and we should have such debates in real time if we are to remain relevant. I ask the Leader to find some time in the schedule next week for statements on the appointment of the CEO of Allied Irish Banks.