James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I call for a debate on the four year plan. I received numerous calls on this matter to my constituency offices in Drogheda and Ardee this morning. People are asking where are the job creation strategies of the plan. However, the State cannot click its fingers and create thousands of jobs. The four year plan creates the conditions for the creation of those jobs, as highlighted this morning by numerous Ministers.

Another big issue, in regard to which Ireland will be only a bit player, is the debt of Portugal, Spain and the eurozone. It is important we have a debate on this issue and, as suggested by Senator Hanafin, debt restructuring in terms of whether senior debt holders should be forced to take equity in the banks, thus taking ownership of the problem too.

On a lighter note, I heard numerous discussions on the radio this morning in regard to Christmas presents for teachers, in respect of which it is estimated €250,000 per annum is spent. This is putting pressure on parents of not so wealthy means. I propose, and encourage the Leader to support this, that every school going child be encouraged to bring in €2 and that this money be given to a local charity or local St. Vincent de Paul Society conference. This would have more of an impact than would presents left lying at the bottom of cupboards and wardrobes. It is a simple proposal but one which I ask the Leader to support.