Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I am not sure if the Reclaim the Future people are in some way related politically or otherwise to the Reclaim the Streets people but I welcome the fact the group is presenting an economic alternative. I suggest to the Leader that we would have a thorough debate at the earliest opportunity on the current state of the country from an economic perspective and the possible options which will be considered and taken on board or otherwise by the Government in the December budget. Two or three years ago when I was on the Opposition side of the House when the economic crisis was profound, I regularly called for such debates because there is a duty on all political parties to present their economic view and options well in advance of budget day. We must move beyond the traditional method of the Minister announcing the budget on budget day and the Opposition saying it has a better idea. If people have ideas, they should be heard on the floor of this House and the other House and presented well in advance of the budget decisions of December. Such a debate on the economy would be useful.

I support Senator Colm Burke's comments on medical students. He has presented his case very well. Our country has invested significant sums of taxpayers' money in putting a proper training structure in place for those students. I am sure the majority of them would aspire to pursue a medical career in this country. We must investigate why it is not proving possible for so many of them to do that. I support Senator Burke's request for a debate.