Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I wish to cover three matters relating to the two parts of the budget introduced yesterday and today. The first of these is the fact that savings in respect of public procurement are crucial and I am glad the Government has set targets in this regard. What is required to push this through is a body with real powers, the National Procurement Agency, and I am of the view that the latter will require the support of legislation. I have referred to this matter on a continual basis for a number of years and I believe the Government can save substantial amounts of money in respect of public procurement processes. I welcome what is being done in this regard.

I also welcome the increase in the exemption relating to the universal social charge to €10,036. Most Senators will welcome that development. I am very disappointed that the implementation strategy in respect of mortgage arrears and distressed mortgages has not yet been published. On a previous occasion the Minister of State made a bold statement in the House to the effect that the strategy would be published before the budget. I accept that the matter has been taken out of his hands to some degree but I wish to impress upon him the need to have it dealt with as a matter of urgency. When introducing the budget in the Lower House, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, said the strategy would be brought forward shortly. What is it intended to do in this regard? I have criticised the Government enough in respect of this matter so it is only appropriate that I should welcome the fact that the commitment it gave to increase mortgage interest relief to 30% for those who purchased houses between 2004 and 2008 has been honoured.

Now all the positive aspects are out of the way-----