Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Will the Leader state whether we are to have a debate on the budget tomorrow? I have been in this House for 16 years and, to the best of my knowledge, we have had a debate on every budget within an hour of its announcement. It seems unusual that we are to debate the expiry dates of gift vouchers, an issue which I am sure is very important. However, if the House is to receive the recognition it needs, we should not be debating gift voucher expiry dates within an hour of the announcement of the budget. I urge the Leader or the Labour Party to address this. This is not a day on which to talk about the budget because I hope we will have plenty of time to do so tomorrow.

I was impressed to read in the newspapers today that the President had recognised the female gardaí - the term "bean garda" is no longer acceptable - of 1958. What impressed me more was the high standing of the Garda Síochána over the almost 80 years of its existence. In a worldwide survey of the levels of trust and confidence in police forces the Garda had the highest rating, at 83%. However, this level of trust and confidence in the force is in serious danger of being lost if the Garda decides to lead the way in the difficulties it is forecasting on foot of tomorrow's budget. I urge it to ensure it does not stretch the law too far. Let some other body lead the protest. If the Garda wants to follow, it may then make a decision on so doing, but it worries me a great deal that the Garda could take action of questionable legality. I urge it not to do so.

The report by Dublin Friends of the Earth, entitled Through the Roof, refers to the energy certificates that are obliged to be displayed in every public building. They are displayed in only 20% of public buildings. It is hoped they will be displayed in 33% by the end of the year. Acting on this policy could save a substantial sum of money. On the day after the commencement of the climate change conference in Copenhagen it seems we are slipping up in this area very badly. I urge the Minister responsible to ensure we take the steps necessary to certify our public buildings both to save money and set standards that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We are setting a standard way below what is expected. If the United Nations conference in Copenhagen sets new standards, we will not even reach the old ones. Let us make sure we act on the matter immediately.