Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I agree with what Senator Boyle has said about levelling with the people and being honest with them about our very serious financial situation. I join Senator Fitzgerald in asking the Leader to arrange a debate as soon as the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, comes back from Brussels. In the past 48 hours Minister after Minister has denied that any talks were ongoing. I fail to understand why the Government is still dealing with this matter in a clandestine and hoodwinking manner and not levelling with the people. The people are terrified and are worried about their deposits and how they will be able to survive. If the Government were to level with the people and tell them the truth, and it is about the truth, we would be able to move on. There will be support from this side of the House for doing the right thing.

I also raise the issue of the single farm payment and the digitisation of maps. Many people have contacted me with regard to delays in the single farm payment. Is it that there is no money to pay farmers or is it that the inability to organise the digitising of maps is being used as an excuse? I ask for a very strong debate with the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, on this matter. Farmers are at the end of their tether trying to make ends meet.