Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Reilly raised the issue of VAT increases and the Border economy. Difficult decisions must and, as I stated, will be made. That may form part of the decisions that will be made in the budget. We must try to get back our economic sovereignty. That is what the Government was elected for. The Government will do its best to protect the vulnerable in society and produce a fair budget but it will be a difficult budget for everybody.

Senator Conway addressed the RTE situation and also proper means testing of child benefit. I believe all would agree that there must be proper means testing. Child benefit should go to those who deserve it most - the vulnerable in society. That is what the Government will work towards.

Senator Colm Burke asked how the globalisation fund, a fund on which he worked hard when he was a Member of the European Parliament, will be distributed for training, etc., to construction workers. It is a matter which I will raise with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton with a view to having him in to the House to debate the issue.