David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, that is contained in the section. I want to make a couple of points. I was so concerned about this matter that I raised it in the debate in this House on budget day. It is worth remarking that a previous Government fell on a similar issue of children's shoes.

I want to be brief and get on to the substance, particularly the respite care issue, as all of us do. My final point concerns the situation in schools with regard to heating, a proper environment and so on which is so desperate that children are wearing several layers of clothes and they are told to jump up and down. It is essential that children in this country at least have access to warm, proper and appropriate clothing. I would strongly support the argument Senator Cullinane has made although, laughably, this House is not allowed to tinker with money, even to the extent of having a discussion, which costs nothing.

My final point is that if this House had been in charge of the economy we could not have made a greater banjo of it than the other House.