Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Has the Leader invited the Minister for Health and Children to discuss with the House the increase in charges announced by the VHI? I tabled two amendments on this issue to the Order of Business last week.

I also ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to explain to the House how Bank of Ireland can award bonuses to its staff. We have appointed public interest directors and bailed out the banks. As public stakeholders we own the banks, yet the bonus culture continues to exist in them. Does the Leader agree that a cosy cartel continues to run this country? According to the Minister, he has to conduct an investigation. The payment of these bonuses is a scandal which needs to be addressed immediately.

I join Senator Healy Eames in suggesting that, rather than play games in the Fianna Fáil Party, the Minister for Foreign Affairs should explain to this House and the nation what he has said to President Sarkozy in response to the latter's remarks on Ireland. We are a strong and vibrant member of the European Union and President Sarkozy has further sullied the name of our country with his remarks. How dare he intervene in our affairs? What has our Government said about it? Nothing. Why has the Minister not rebutted these claims? Why has he not stand up for the ordinary citizen of this country?