Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support what Senator Mooney said on the Order of Business. It was an excellent example of a contribution that does not involve a question to the Leader but which none the less needs to be heard in the House and, as such, is worth noting. The key issue is that we need to keep our dignity as a nation, and that applies to the people who will be out marching. It pains me to turn on an international news channel and see Ireland at the top of the agenda and to think that the way we behave may be making matters worse in this regard. I ask people to by all means have their protest but to keep their dignity. In this regard, I regretted the chaotic manner in which it was announced we would be having an election in the new year. It should have been possible for those in Government and leaders of the Opposition to talk about this following which a statement could have been issued saying that Ireland will go to the polls in April, May or June 2011. The manner in which it was announced reflects badly on us. It shows us as a nation whose leaders are at sixes and sevens, which is to be regretted. There is time to learn from this and to get things right.

I compliment and support Senator Quinn on what he is trying to achieve by way of the construction contracts Bill. It is important we take a bipartisan approach to this Bill and that we lead by example on this issue, as Senator Quinn has done. On the four year plan, the Government is at pains to stress balance in terms of protecting necessary areas, namely, education and innovation. Hard choices will have to be made. I wish to make a plea on behalf of education. The change in name of the student support charge to a contribution to higher education at least has the merit of honesty. Up until now we have had a reintroduction of fees by the backdoor. We need to monitor any reduction in expenditure in education.