Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I read that the Taoiseach reiterated yesterday his intention to abolish the Seanad and that he has taken steps in that direction. If the Seanad is abolished, we will only have ourselves to blame. This year was a lost opportunity. I call on the Leader to ensure that we earn our keep in the run up to the budget next year. It is too late to do it this year. We need to influence the drafting of the next budget before it is issued. This House can perform better. The Leader has done a wonderful job in improving the way we handle a number of issues. Yesterday afternoon's consultation committee meeting was a good example of that. If we are to earn our survival, it will only be by playing a useful role prior to budgetary decisions being made.

I have been looking at Lithuania's figures. Its economy fell farther than ours, but it has bounced back quickly. Lithuania's GDP decreased by 14% in 2009 and has since increased by 6.6%. Lithuania is the shining light for the small countries adversely affected by the economic turndown. It reduced its corporate tax rate from 20% to 15% and invested in education. Lithuania has done what we should have been doing. We are doing it in some cases. Let us examine other success stories before our budgetary decisions are made. I urge the Leader to ensure we do not let this chance slip by again. Let us hold budget discussions well in advance of decisions so that we might influence the budget.