Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is all legislation between now and then, and legislation must take priority.

Senators O'Toole, Coffey, Ó Brolcháin, O'Reilly, Buttimer and Mullen spoke about various areas of serious concern in the budget. I agree with Senator O'Toole on the issue of cutbacks affecting the blind. They are a cause I certainly have supported all my life. One of the greatest gifts the good Lord can give any person is sight. As someone who has had difficulty with sight since I was 12 years old, I appreciate having my sight. The proposal by Senator O'Toole for an additional allowance for guide dogs is a very good one. Anything that can be done in this regard will be fully supported and we will see what we on the Government side can do to have this included.

Various areas like child benefit and carer's allowance were mentioned. The child benefit rate will be €140 per month for the first and second child, €167 per month for the third child, and €177 for the fourth and subsequent children. The additional benefit and grant for multiple births will continue to be paid, and there will be no change in the weekly qualified child increase paid to those getting weekly special social welfare payments. Schemes that have been fully maintained in the budget include the family income supplement, the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, the domiciliary care allowance and the widowed parent grants.

We have all praised carers as the unsung heroes of our society. The half rate carer's allowance will continue to be paid to people who are full-time carers and who are getting another welfare payment. Extra payment for caring for more than one person is retained. Carers will continue to get an annual respite care grant of €1,700 for each care recipient. The carer's allowance rate for carers aged 66 and over will not change. The rate for carers under 66 will be reduced by 3.8%, or €8. I think that clarifies the serious concerns expressed by colleagues on budgetary matters.

Senator Boyle called for an urgent debate on the reform of the National Economic and Social Council, NESC. I have no difficulty in allowing that to take place after Christmas.

Senator MacSharry and Senator Leyden raised a serious issue in the House, namely, those who are hard pressed with their debts. Being able to charge an interest rate of 187% is of such serious concern that I will certainly discuss it with the Minister before we go home this weekend. This is appalling and must not be allowed to continue. I thank Senator MacSharry for bringing it to the attention of the House, and supported in doing so by Senator Leyden. It certainly is shameful. It is an absolute disgrace that this is being allowed to continue legally. The Minister has an urgent duty to address this in the finance Bill.

Senators Norris, Ó Brolcháin, Ross and Healy Eames called for the Minister to participate in a debate on the bank bonuses, which go back to 2008. These were also an issue in the courts. The thrust of the argument is that everyone must play their part. A signal is being sent out to the rest of the workforce of our country that must be examined by the Minister and addressed by the Government. I agree with many of the sentiments that have been expressed in this respect.

Senator Norris, supported by Senator Ó Brolcháin, spoke about the animal welfare Bill and stray animals, especially horses. I will pass on their strong views to the Minister. Senator Keaveney spoke about the failure to replace the Donegal Youth Council co-ordinator post. This is a serious concern for the Senator and I will pass this on to the Minister. She also spoke about her concern about the changeover from analogue to digital. It certainly is a massive challenge.

The Appropriation Bill 2010 is the last Bill we will discuss next week. Senators who raise different issues and concerns on the Order of Business might participate in this debate. I will discuss with the party leaders at our meeting next Tuesday the possibility of extending the discussion on the Bill over a few days at the end of this term and the start of the next term in order that colleagues can debate issues of concern to them, such as organised crime in sport which is a concern for Senator Keaveney. Senator Leyden mentioned the four year national solidarity bond and I certainly support that great call. Already €300 million has been taken in, a large sum, and we should do anything we can to support it.

Senator Buttimer commented on the Government's mandate. The mandate is given by the people in a general election then the Dáil reaffirms this mandate on a weekly basis for the Taoiseach and the Government to continue. We all saw the budget being passed by 82 votes to 78 votes, a majority of four, followed by majorities on many other votes yesterday which confirm the Government's mandate.

Senator Callely welcomed the 250 new jobs coming to Ireland from Citi. It has been here since 1965 and the reason for these 250 jobs in the service innovation area was because of the pro-business workforce Ireland has been recognised for and I certainly welcome those new jobs, that is great news coming up to Christmas.

Senator Cummins asked about the legislative programme for next week. I propose the House will sit four days next week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and on Friday we will review progress on when the House will sit again.