Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

There is a huge demand out there for the Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan, and the Government to do the right thing economically for Ireland this afternoon. Senators on this side of the House are also up to that challenge.

I ask the Leader, for the umpteenth time, to use this House to focus on genuine economic debate over the next few months, if we are still in existence. It would be very useful if each of the Cabinet Ministers would come into this House, make a statement on their respective Departments' policy for the next few months and years ahead and to engage with us. It is a request I have previously made. I was promised it would happen six years ago in this House by another Leader. It would be a useful forum.