Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I do not intend to take from the real difficulties people are suffering. I hope we can focus on providing solutions rather than feeding into that process.

I welcome the fact that we will have an opportunity today to comment on the budget. It is appropriate that we do this in advance of discussing the Murphy report and the flooding because the budget will be announced tomorrow week. For the legitimacy of this House it is important that its Members have their opportunity to feed into that process. I hope that as many as possible will participate in this afternoon's debate.

It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge and pay tribute to the unions and others in Government Buildings for making substantial progress over the past long days and nights. I am hopeful that the postponement of the strike on Thursday means that a deal is imminent and I hope that the outstanding health issues can be dealt with. If we are to overcome the economic difficulties facing us it is critical to move forward together with the support of workers, employers and all sectors of our community.