Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I hope the Minister for Finance will respond constructively to the recommendations the Opposition is proposing to the Finance Bill. After all, the Bill will give effect to the very harsh and severe measures in the budget. Thousands of people are out of work and thousands more - people on middle and lower incomes, students and pensioners - are struggling to get by. The reduction in social welfare rates has adversely affected the quality of people's lives and a decision must be made in many households on whether they should pay a utility bill or buy groceries. On that basis, will the Leader ensure, for the sake of the reputation of this House, that the Minister will engage in real debate and look positively and constructively at our amendments? I sincerely hope the information on the monitors on the potential Dáil sitting tomorrow at 8 p.m. is not simply theatre. I hope we will amend this legislation, that the Minister will engage in real political debate on the issues and that the Dáil will sit tomorrow night to deal with the amendments we make in this House.