Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Buttimer's amendment to the Order of Business in respect of the VHI. It is disgraceful to have increases of up to 45% and it is unsustainable for many families.

Thousands of young graduates and craftsmen are being forced to emigrate on a daily basis because of the present lack of work and opportunity in Ireland. A recently broadcast television programme showed the sad images of parents who were heart-broken to see their children obliged to emigrate and to seek work abroad because of the failed policies and recklessness of the Government in respect of economic management. It now appears as though the Government intends to drag out this session and its own life span for as long as possible. I note Senator Coghlan asked whether, as now appears to be probable, the Finance Bill will come before this House in the last two weeks of February. What people seek is to see the back of the Government as soon as possible. It is disgraceful that it is trying to drag out this session from week to week to enable it to remain in office. Although people talk about the Green Party pulling the plug, it may be necessary for Fianna Fáil to pull the plug on the Green Party, as the latter is so entrenched in government. The country needs a new Government fast. The people need hope and new policies to get people back to work. How soon will the decent thing be done and an election be called to give people the chance to elect a Government?