Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

The issue regarding the disabled as represented in the budget has been well ventilated in this House and the media. The fact that the Minister has indicated a possible rethink on this should not be seen as a U-turn by the Government. It should be seen as a response to a robust and comprehensive debate on the budget and all its terms. If we do that we may all make a contribution to solutions.

None of us have all the answers. When I was on the Government side of the House I always requested those in opposition to endeavour to create consensus on some issues. That is what we should do as legislators. It is good for the country and particularly good for people who do not have a voice. We can do that in a balanced and reasoned way.

Yesterday I raised the proposed closure of a considerable number of rural Garda stations. In his response, for which I thank him, the Leader indicated it was a recommendation of the Commissioner. We will not have the opportunity to debate that issue with the Commissioner. In the same manner as the issue relating to the disabled and their families, the issue of Garda stations has been fairly well ventilated. I would like to think the issue would also merit further debate. I propose a change to the Order of Business. As we cannot have a debate with the Commissioner I would like the Minister for Justice and Equality to be invited to the House to give us an opportunity, before it is too late, to put our views forward.

I spoke to a councillor on the telephone yesterday about this issue who said his or her area was lucky because closures would not happen in the locality, but that is not what this is about. We are not representing a local constituency, rather we are representing the whole country. I second the change to the Order of Business proposed by Senator O'Brien.