Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach to the House to discuss this so-called agreement? It is a classic Irish solution to an Irish problem with obfuscation and confusion. I am sure the Leader will agree we have a Taoiseach who talks like Rambo and acts like Bambi while Mr. McLoone could not run FÁS, yet he can govern the country. Where are we going? Many questions need to be answered. For example, what are the implications for public services, the public and the budget? It is appalling that the Government cannot govern at all. The deal illustrates the fact that the Government has no coherent, joined-up plan. Does the Leader agree the sooner we have a general election to give a Government a mandate to govern the country, the better?

I refer to the upcoming budget. I have made a request to the Leader on numerous occasions because I am concerned that Ireland, as a sporting nation, will not be at the races and will be uncompetitive, which cannot be allowed to happen. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Irish Sports Council and the Federation of Irish Sports must have a plan to fund our high performance athletes and sports for London 2012. I welcome the deal between the GAA and the GPA which provides for recognition of the GPA. It was a good day for Irish sport. Irish sport deserves to be treated with respect by Government but that has not happened this year. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism got rid of the sports capital programme while sports funding in general was cut. If we are serious about sport and those involved, a plan must be in place which should be matched by Government funding in order that the tricolour can be raised aloft in London and national pride restored.