Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

I support the comments of Senators Cullinane and Quinn in regard to the budgetary process and pre-budget discussions that will occur here in advance of budget 2013.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a report last week by a two-thirds majority. The report, entitled "Austerity Measures - A Danger for Democracy and Social Rights" highlights a comment made by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Thomas Hammarberg when on a visit to Ireland in June 2011. Mr. Hammarberg stated that budget cuts planned in Ireland may be detrimental to the protection of human rights and that it is crucial to avoid this risk, in particular regarding vulnerable groups of people.

It would be important, in terms of our pre-budget discussions, that we discuss this report, in particular given it was adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, of which Ireland is a member and that we discuss the ten point resolutions contained therein which call for member states to closely assess their current austerity programmes and the effect they are having on our social rights, decision-making processes and social security systems. I would appreciate if the Leader could arrange a debate on this report.