Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

It is useful to hear the diverse views of Senators notwithstanding our differences. Differences are the reason we are here. This is a democracy and people elect us on the basis of the views we offer. Now that we have the stark reality of the Government figures, even if unverified, and ESRI figures, there is an amazing convergence.

In recent days, I have asked the Leader to arrange a debate on the conclusion of the talks between the party leaders. It appears they will not meet again, although further consultations will take place between finance spokespersons and the Department of Finance, which is useful and helpful. Perhaps we can now have an all-encompassing debate on the economy, especially as the other House will have such a debate next week. The Leader should arrange this debate to allow us to further develop points of difference or convergence. There is, I believe, significant convergence in the national interest on the commitment to achieve a target of 3% debt to GDP ratio by 2014. Irrespective of whether it is achievable, we must stick to this objective. Let us hear more from the different parties. While it goes without saying that we will not be able to agree fully on the detail, we can develop the convergence that is obviously emerging. This House serves a useful purpose and we should have this debate next week.