John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Occasionally we get the opportunity to debate different issues and it is interesting that we got some clarification last week as a result of those debates. Sr. Mary MacKillop was in her day excommunicated because members of her order reported on child sex abuse and last week she was made Australia's first saint. There is no clearer indication from the Vatican as to where it stands on the issue. It would be useful to remember that in further debates in this House.

I ask the Leader for an ongoing debate on the opportunities to develop employment in the economy. Now that we are taking the necessary cuts and looking for consensus, which we are right to look for because the situation is serious but not impossible, we have the perfect opportunity in this House to identify regressive taxation or business opportunities that could and should be brought to the attention of the Minister. Perhaps the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation could spend some time on a regular basis in the House so we can debate those issues with him.

It is important that we remember that Government has a five year mandate. It is a mandate which it is expected to uphold through thick and thin. The ultimate date for the Dáil to end is 14 June 2012 and the Seanad 90 days thereafter.