Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, Boyle, MacSharry and Buttimer expressed their opinions on what is an important day in the calendar of the Houses, budget day. The budget is designed to make the adjustment to meet the requirements of the Exchequer, be it in respect of social welfare, education or health services, as well as to pay members of the Army and the Garda and workers throughout the rest of the public sector. It covers all of the State's expenditure. The budget to be announced today is one of the most crucial we have ever had. I wish the Minister for Finance well. There is an onerous responsibility on all public representatives, be they in government or opposition, to ensure the budget will be voted through. The debate on the budget in the Seanad will be held tomorrow morning after the Order of Business and I will allow the longest time for every Member to make his or her views known to the Minister and the Department.

Senators Fitzgerald, Leyden, Ó Murchú, Cummins, Ormonde, Callely and Glynn expressed their views on last night's "Prime Time Investigates" special on anti-social behaviour in a certain part of Limerick. I watched "The Frontline", on which representatives from Limerick correctly pointed to all of the great things happening there. I refer, in particular, to a gentleman who was an employer. Two other gentlemen highlighted the fact that difficulties had been caused by young people not having opportunities to gain employment, undergo training and so on. The regeneration of Limerick under the stewardship of Mr. John Fitzgerald has been exemplary. He was an incredible city manager in Dublin-----