Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the call made by Senator Barrett for a debate on the euro. It would be opportune to have rolling debates on that issue given the current difficulties. I also agree with the comments made today and yesterday by members of Fine Gael and with their concerns about possible anti-job measures with regard to passing on social welfare costs for sick pay to employers. As mentioned, absenteeism and the willy nilly issuing of medical certs by GPs is a much bigger issue and should be tackled at that level.

The Government talks about job creation, which is important, but often its actions do not measure up to what is being said. I suggest the Leader should arrange a debate in the House with the Minister for Finance to discuss the issue of people and businesses who have come to an arrangement with their main lending institutions who then find it difficult to get the co-operation of State agencies, particularly the Revenue Commissioners. It is imperative that in the current economic situation we prioritise jobs, but while the collection of revenue should remain a priority, it should not be an impediment to the retention of jobs.

The issue relating to the Minister for Education and Skills has been well covered by my colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien. If ever we had an election where there was no need to make promises, it was the most recent general election. There have been many broken promises and, unfortunately, these fuel cynicism among the public, particularly in the case of young students, about politics and politicians in general. This is bad. Where commitments have been made and people are now changing tack, they should apologise and admit they were wrong.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business. Yesterday, I raised the issue of the closure of the three embassies, in particular the Holy See embassy. The response from the Leader did not give me any great hope there would be an immediate debate. I propose that we have a debate today with the Tánaiste regarding the real reasons for the closure of these embassies in order to persuade him to rescind that particular regrettable decision. I also support the amendment put forward by Senator Darragh O'Brien.