Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will have ample opportunity to discuss the many issues members have raised on the budget. Members have asked that the Minister for Social Protection come to the House. The social welfare Bill will probably come before the House next week when there will be ample time to discuss it.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of Palestine having observer status in the UN and the fact that Ireland fully supports that move. That is to be commended and members will welcome it.

Senators Sean Barrett and Feargal Quinn outlined the dreadful situation where the office of Mr. Stewart Dickson of the Alliance Party was set on fire last evening. We would all sympathise with Mr. Dickson on that dreadful event and pay tribute to the Alliance Party which has been the voice of reason in the North for many years. As we would all empathise with him, I will relay the sentiments of the House to Mr. Dickson.

Senator Michael Mullins drew attention to the below-cost selling of alcohol and expressed disappointment that the issue was not addressed in the budget. I am sure that matter will be addressed, if it can be addressed, in the near future.

We will have debates on that in the new year.

Senator MacSharry called on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to come to the House. As I outlined on Tuesday, she will be in the House in early January for more than two and a half hours to debate children's issues. The Finance Bill will not have been passed by then. She will be present. The Senator is hoarse and quiet. I listened to him last night and it was one his best performances.