Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I listened with interest to the comments on the eurozone. I empathise with the anxiety and fear outlined by Senator Ross, in particular. Certain debts are written off on occasion. There is a need for a special focus on the eurozone and to look at the viability of write-downs, write-offs or whatever may be necessary in that regard. It has happened in many other countries and perhaps it should be considered.

Will the Leader contact the Minister for Finance to see what special arrangements have been put in place to accommodate small and medium enterprises and sole traders who, in this very difficult and turbulent economic and financial environment, are getting demands in regard to their tax liabilities? What arrangements have been put in place to provide a viable period of time in which they may pay their tax liabilities? I am talking about people who are in a position to pay their tax liabilities but who need a little breathing space given the pressures on them. Will the Leader raise this matter with the Minister for Finance? The Leader is very much aware of the pressures and difficulties and I want to ensure sole traders and small and medium enterprises are accommodated to enable them to survive because they are in survival mode.

I raise two issues in regard to transport, the first of which concerns traffic management and IT traffic information. We should have more display panels around this city to inform motorists of road traffic conditions. The second issue is real-time passenger information. We have heard about it for a long time and I would like to see real-time passenger information for bus users. A bus commuter should be able to go to the bus stop and see when the next bus will arrive.