Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

In calling on the Leader to arrange a pre-budget debate, it is important to consider what the Taoiseach said last night. If we cherish people, the budget must protect the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled and those in the caring profession, particularly carers. If we place a high value on the work the people in question do, the budget should not cut back on their services and not hurt the old and the disabled but protect and fortify them. We do not need simple words from the Taoiseach at some event. What we need is strong cogent action by the Government. Where I disagree with Senator Ó Murchú is that we have not seen such a plan from the Government. It is make it up as one goes along budgeting. We saw this in its handling of the banks crisis and the budget last year. The cuts of €4 billion need to be spread evenly across all areas.

In the light of the Cathaoirleach's ruling on the Adjournment matters, which I respect, I ask the Leader to facilitate as a matter of extreme urgency a debate on the role of the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Transport in the maintenance and upkeep of roads. As the Leader said in giving a weather forecast at the end of a debate yesterday, we have seen inclement weather and the roads are falling apart. In my area in Glenbrook Passage, Carrigaline and Monkstown the roads are falling apart. What will it take for the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Transport to put in place a proper road maintenance programme? Local authorities cannot do it, as they claim they do not have the money to do so. Who will do it? Who will maintain the roads to ensure road safety?