Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader consider rolling debates on the economic situation? This morning, I was alarmed to see an economist is predicting Ireland will slip back into recession. Any reasonable person would conclude that we are facing stagnation in the medium term. When the crisis broke there was much identification of the procyclical policies which gave rise to the depth of the economic crisis, such as tax incentives for property and trying to drive growth at a time it was already at a fast pace. The corollary of this is now happening as the Government's procyclical policies are driving the economy in the other direction. I know this is probably based on advice from officials - I presume the same officials who gave advice previously on the procyclical policies to drive growth - and they are now looking to consolidate stagnation and the recession. While there has been much talk about charges and increased financial imposition on households, undoubtedly it will prolong the current crisis. I suggest to the Leader that consideration should be given to having expertise in various areas of economic development involved in our deliberations. Whether this is done in our ordinary plenary sessions or as part of the public consultation, which is a good initiative, there is a role for the Seanad in this area. There are many voices here, probably more than there are in the Dáil, who have insights. We may have different views on it. By debating these issues in a very open way we are more likely to come to a solution. I urge the Leader to consider this. Without more enlightened policies nationally and at EU level we will consign a generation of people to difficult financial situations. While I took a different view on the leaking of the troika report, it is important that it is considered. These types of issues need to be fully flushed out and debated if we are to find solutions.