Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator Ó Murchú mentioned the new expenses regime in the Houses of the Oireachtas, a reform that is intended to reflect the new realities in public expenditure. The Senator stated that he hoped it would inform the changes that need to occur in social partnership.

Senator Norris asked for a debate on homelessness and cited a number of homeless agencies in the capital region. Such a debate will be useful. It is one of the undoubted truths of the decline in economic circumstances that those with the least in our society suffer most. This House needs to reflect the nature of that problem and discuss how we can solve it collectively.

Senator Callely also mentioned homelessness, as well as the failure of the HSE to meet its targets for primary care centres and the question of how we can better meet such targets. We can talk to the Minister for Health and Children with regard to addressing this issue. In addition, the question of defined pension schemes was mentioned. The Government intends in the coming months to release a national pensions framework which will form the basis of a debate in the House.

Senator Regan, as well as discussing the public finances of Greece, lauded the role of the Opposition in dealing with the economic crisis. Undoubtedly, the Opposition can and does play a role, and these are difficult times. I would like to think the Government is also stepping up to the plate and making the decisions that need to be made. As we face further difficult decisions in this regard, I look forward to stronger and more open co-operation from the Opposition.

Senator Leyden asked for a debate on taxi plates and mentioned a motion on this topic on the Order Paper. In the first instance, motions are the responsibility of Members who place them on the Order Paper, but I will consider the need for a debate on taxi licences and services and arrange one as soon as possible.

Senator Coghlan asked about the Bill establishing the office of a directly elected Lord Mayor for Dublin. The heads of the Bill have been approved. I am not sure whether the initial deadline of June can be met; it depends on the passage of the Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas. However, the intention is to hold an election this year at the earliest possible opportunity.