Mark Dearey (Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party, I wish the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Paterson, MP, the very best in his new role. He will have a particularly tricky task at a time when the deficit in the United Kingdom is about to be addressed. We understand details will be announced within 50 days of the formation of the new government. It seems inevitable that the block grant will be reviewed, despite what the parties in the North are stating. The Northern economy is extremely dependent on the public sector which will obviously be vulnerable to potential cuts in UK public spending. It will be a tricky time for the Northern economy and have consequences for how we manage our affairs with the economy on the other side of the Border.

Whenever small businesses begin to feel pressure, there is talk of shared services and ways in which tasks can be done in a common way. We have had talk this morning about cross-Border transport initiatives. I also see this as an opportunity to have shared services - to borrow that phrase - in health service provision and possibly even the education system. I see, as Senator Quinn said, the potential crisis in the public finances in the North because of the overall UK deficit as an opportunity for the two economies in the two key service areas of health and education to come closer to each other, particularly along the Border. I have given a great deal of thought to the matter and hope these opportunities will present themselves.

On Tuesday I said the Lisbon treaty was abundantly clear on the issue of our fiscal independence, any erosion of which would require a further treaty. I found it unfortunate, notwithstanding the contributions of Fine Gael Members this morning, that their leader had struck a tone yesterday that suggested our fiscal independence was in imminent danger. This did nothing to help the discussion. However, I found Senator Donohoe's contribution this morning very helpful and interesting and would like to hear more from him. I accept Fine Gael is in a position to ask these questions, as Senator Regan said, but it should be done in a much more level-headed way.

I support the call for a debate on a turn around or metanoia, to use a phrase I dredge up from my catechetical days.