Michael McCarthy (Labour)

The last time the trade unions were in Government Buildings to show leadership and negotiate a resolution on the unsustainable pay cuts for those in the public sector and private industry they were thrown out at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Leadership on the issue should be shown from the top down; it begins with the Taoiseach.

I raise the issue, an exclusive on "Prime Time" last night, of the increased salaries of some in Anglo Irish Bank. It is beyond comprehension that the Government would allow Anglo Irish Bank, of all banks, to increase the salaries of staff at a time when cleaners, local authority workers, gardaí, nurses and teachers are paying through the nose for the mess into which the Government got us in the first place.

On the abolition of the Seanad, I repeat a call I made a number of months ago. The Seanad is a soft touch for some cynics in the media. It is always castigated as a House which is not worthwhile having. There is, however, a huge case for reform, on which there are many reports. While I support reform, I will oppose, from this side of the House, any populist political approach to abolish the Seanad. My view has been consistent. Any Member who believes the Seanad should be abolished should resign his or her seat.