Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

On the matter of the schedule of business for this week and in particular with regard to the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill, I am not opposed to the use of the guillotine as it is a reasonable option for a Government to take although others have differing views. I am not stating this is my party's view. However, the way the business of the House has been scheduled for this week, with Committee Stage on Thursday being at the last minute rescheduled to Wednesday immediately following Second Stage and with the legislation only printed yesterday, is completely unreasonable. There are those of us who want this House to be a place for serious debate and also a place for formulating legislation and creating benefits for the public rather than just the pub chat that serves for debate at times in this House when Members can talk about anything but what is on the agenda or anything other than the legislation put forward.

Senator Zappone raised a very important issue in light of the The Irish Times article of yesterday. It is important for the Independent group to note that if the Government sticks to its plan not to raise income tax and not to touch the welfare budget, then the reality is that the groups and organisations represented by the Independent group will be devoid of funds. That is the only way the Government will be able to do what is necessary. I refer to college fees and the cessation of funding to various organisations. It is about time the Independents stood up to the Government instead of giving it unquestioning support.

I ask that the Taoiseach come to the House. I refer to a report from Reuters on 24 May which states that a Greek default would hit others in the eurozone. Bloomberg also reported that Norway, the richest country in Europe, would not be an investors' haven because it would be sucked into the turmoil resulting from a Greek default. The Bank of England is making contingency plans for a Greek default because it is very worried. However, the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, has the answer. He has been reassured that countries such as Ireland will be protected from any fall-out from a potential Greek default. I want the Taoiseach to come to the House to talk about his little-known comment of last week. What does he know? Is he codding the people? Has he received reassurances that all of these other bigger and wealthier countries have not received? What reassurances has he been given that Ireland will be protected? Is he talking through his hat?