Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday the Leader suggested that we could discuss a range of issues with the Minister for Finance during our debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011. I am wary of that proposal because the Bill raises a number of important issues which deserve our attention in their own right. I would prefer for the Leader to arrange a separate debate on the economy, the finance portfolio and the EU-IMF agreement. I was concerned to learn that the figure changed from €440 million to €140 million yesterday. What has happened over recent months has been a sham battle on the issue of corporation tax. When Deputy Brian Lenihan negotiated the original EU-IMF package he was told to keep the interest rate below 6% and retain our corporation tax rate. Both those objectives were achieved. The Government is now fighting a sham battle over our corporation tax rate, even though it is aware it was already won last November, in order that it can say it managed to retain our 12.5% corporation tax rate. Nothing has happened. If the interest rate is to be adjusted, we are now being told it will only be worth €150 million, which is substantially less than the figure suggested by the Taoiseach last week. We should hold a full debate on that issue separate from that on the Finance (No. 2) Bill.

It is time that various Ministers were held to account on health issues. During the course of the election a number of promises were made to the most vulnerable people in society. Senator Henry raised the issue of cancer services in Sligo, an area dear to my own heart because my wife is from the county. Promises were made to restore services within the first 100 days of this Government's term. In respect of Navan hospital in my own constituency, a number of promises were made to sick and vulnerable people in advance of the election. Either these promises are delivered or else Ministers must be called to account for them. The Seanad would provide an excellent forum for that.

I join my colleagues in wishing leaving certificate students the best of luck today. They are being advised not to panic. Given that I panicked during the leaving certificate, I cannot give the same advice but they should not worry if they panic because it is natural to do so.