Ivana Bacik (Independent)

This is an important question to the Leader. What is the date for the by-election and the budget? Again there is still uncertainty. The budget is currently set for 7 December but there is now a question mark over whether it can be brought forward. The uncertainty is contributing to the slowness and lack of any economic recovery because people are fearful and need more clarity and certainty.

On the issue of Seanad reform, as we all know the Government lost the vote last night in this House. We on this side of the House have been calling for Seanad reform for many years. The University Senators are unanimous in their endorsement of the need for reform. We now need to see action from the Government on reform. One of the key promises made by the Minister, Deputy Gormley, when he was elected was that he would ensure reform of the Seanad. We still have not seen it and we do not need any more empty debates, rather, we need real action to fulfil the mandate the Government now has, having lost the vote yesterday in the House.