Dan Boyle (Green Party)

While I agree that the House needs to hold regular debates on budgetary strategy and the state of the economy, I do not accept that this is a process that takes place in the dark. The Budget Statement made by the Minister for Finance in December set out clearly how the €3 billion adjustment would be addressed. The House should examine how this matter is being progressed on an ongoing basis. At least €1 billion of the adjustment will be achieved through reduced capital expenditure, with much of the remaining €2 billion will be considered in the context of taxation measures, possibly by extinguishing many of the reliefs that remain in the system. It is incorrect, therefore, to argue that cuts of €3 billion are on the agenda.

I also agree that we need to use the House as a forum to engage with the social partners. However, this may not be the best time to do so because we are in the middle of process arising from the Croke Park agreement. If that process proves successful, we should move towards having such an engagement because it would put to good use the functions and powers of the House.

We should have a debate on the report of the Ombudsman for Children. We had a discussion on the reappointment of Ms Emily Logan and there was universal acclaim for the work she had been doing and a belief she should continue in office. Part of the logic in having that debate was that we should reinforce that work and put in place further resources and better standards to ensure child protection.

We should note but not exaggerate the events that occurred outside Leinster House last night. The right to protest is paramount in a democracy, but we should always be wary and never encourage those who want to use violent means to express that right. If there are persons who engage in that practice regularly, we should put up a flag to say this does not constitute democracy in Ireland and that this is not how we should be developing our right to protest.