John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support the call by my colleague, Senator Harte, for a full and robust debate on the promissory notes with the Minister for Finance in attendance in the House. It is a matter of pressing public policy which has the potential to lay the largest single liability on the Exchequer next year. Some ¤3.1 billion is due for payment on 31 March plus the restructured ¤3.1 billion from last year. We could well do with a debate on it. We could pay the promissory notes, seek to reschedule the payment structure or not pay the promissory notes. It is important that the House has an opportunity to tease out the possibilities and the implications of each of these scenarios. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to the House. It is important that should be done soon before the budget because the strategy being pursued has severe budgetary implications. Perhaps the Leader could organise that debate.

I also support a call by Senator Cullinane for the Minister to examine the possibility of the use of GPS technology by our offshore fishing fleet.