Dan Boyle (Green Party)

A question arises whether the Government is in a position to meet what is being asked for in the motion. I do not have a difficulty with the amendment in general terms. I believe the debate, the Minister of State's contribution and how I will respond on behalf of my colleagues at the end of the debate will determine that. I am anxious to hear the argument that will be advanced by the movers of the amendment. I suspect it has come about as a result of a fairly open and honest statement by the Department of Finance on the resources that exist within that Department to deal with the difficult problems with which we as a country and it are faced. I see that as a more specific issue than the one being debated in the House today, but we still need to have that debate. I do not believe it is too untoward for Members to expect some statement of policy on how a shortage of particular skills or an identification of a lack of particular skills can and would be met. I remain unsure if that issue is part of this debate.

I invite my colleague, Senator Dearey, to advance the argument further in favour of acceptance of this motion by the House.