Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

What happens next Monday and Tuesday will be critical as we attempt to regain control of our finances. I was distraught to learn there were no plans to have a pre-budget debate in the House this week. One would think, at a time when we are all trying to show the value of this Chamber to the public, that time for a pre-budget debate would be provided. Furthermore, the decision by the Government benches not to facilitate such a debate marks a continuation of the old politics which blighted the Oireachtas for so many years and does not resemble the new politics promised post the general election.

The latest ESRI report makes for bleak reading and makes it all the more important that we ensure the budgetary decisions made will be the correct ones. Coming from a business perspective, I find it hard to believe the only debate that will take place in this Chamber will be held post the event when it will be virtually impossible to make any changes. I use the word "debate" loosely with regard to the discussions that will unfold next week, as more than likely we will have one of our haranguing sessions or shouting matches, with the blame for our economic problems being kicked over and back. Such a debate would serve nobody, except the knockers of the Seanad.

Sticking to the business theme, if we are to believe the leaks in the past couple of weeks, in the budget small businesses will be crucified. Being a small business owner, I have been contacted by a number of businesses about the VAT regime and the supposed increase in the rate to 23%, about which fear and horror have been expressed. Lest Senators be in any doubt, businesses will close as a result of the VAT increase, particularly those close to the Border. The number on the live register could reach 500,000 in the course of next year. We need to assess the effect a rise in the VAT rate will have on businesses which are already struggling to survive, not to mention the proposed changes to the sick pay arrangements which we discussed last week and which have been mooted to solve the problems of the public sector, with little consideration being given-----