Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom aontú leis an méid ata ráite ag an Seanadóir Ó Domhnaill maidir leis an díospóireacht a bheidh againn inniu ar na tancanna séarachais. Níl a fhios agam an dtuigeann baill an Rialtais cé chomh tábhachtach agus atá an ceist seo do phobal na tuaithe. Tá sé ag cur as go mór dóibh. Tá sé fíor-thábhachtach go mbeadh an Bille seo ag dul tríd Tithe an Oireachtais i gceart. Ba cheart go mbeadh gach deis againn na leasuithe ar fad atá curtha síos a phlé. Dá mhéid ama agus is féidir a thabhairt don díospóireacht sin, ba chóir é sin a dhéanamh. We should give as much time as possible to the septic tank debate. It is a major issue not just in rural Ireland; it will affect some urban areas as well. It is not just an urban-rural question and therefore it is important that as much time as possible should be given to debate all the amendments put down.

I raise the issue of Aviva Insurance. I ask that the Minister, Deputy Bruton, be invited to the House to discuss the negotiations that are ongoing with Aviva regarding its proposal to close down all of its outlets in the Republic. It is a huge blow. There is a base in Galway and there is talk of having a call centre based there but it does not bode well for Ireland. I would also like to know how it relates into the issue of upward only rent reviews. Is it one of the major issues impacting Aviva's decision and, if so, what does the Government intend to do to tackle that issue? It appears to be dragging its heels on it. What are the plans for job creation? Many jobs are still being lost but where are the jobs to be created?

We need a debate on the budgetary issues referred to by previous speakers. We are discussing issues such as septic tanks, the household charge, etc., in this House. They are all measures that will hit the low income families but the well is dry. Those families cannot afford to pay any more. When will we have a decent debate on taxing the wealthy in this society as mentioned by Senator Conway? They are the wealthy elite in the golden circles in this economy who can afford to share more of the burden. We need a serious debate and that should happen pre-budget to ensure the positive contributions we make can be taken on board in the pre-budget period and also in the Estimates. Tá mé ag glaoch go gcuirfí díospóireacht ar siúl maidir leis na ceisteanna seo.