Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I also call on the Leader to initiate an economic debate in this House. I have spoken previously about having pre-budget debates and providing for a pre-budget consultation period within the Houses and firmly hope this will be considered prior to the introduction of the budget in 2012. However, I would like to have a debate on the issue raised by Senator Paschal Mooney whom I hold in high regard. He spoke about the ESRI report which is gloomy and very worrying. It would be a good idea to invite members of the ESRI to the House for a debate and a mature, all-party discussion on the future of the economy and what is happening within Europe, as we should also debate the European crisis. As a Parliament, we and the Government need to be robust in articulating our views on the situation in Europe. It would be no harm if a transcript of the proceedings of that debate were forwarded to the Bundestag in order that it would be made aware of and have a comprehensive understanding of how this Parliament views our role. I have concerns about the euro and sincerely hope it survives, as it is an important model. As a small peripheral country, it is in our interests that it works. I look forward to taking part in such an economic debate if the Leader decides to have one.