Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to comment on Greece and the troika programme, given that the troika is back in Ireland this week to examine our priorities for budget 2014. The troika has set the Greek Government some new homework, including concrete steps to crack down on its health care spending. Under the terms of the bailout, for example, the Greek Government is required to lay off 4,000 public sector workers by the end of the year.

The issue I wish to raise is the budget 2014 priorities for this country.

It is remarkable that the Government will be discussing with the troika the details of the forthcoming budget before they are debated in the Oireachtas. Fine Gael and the Labour Party promised to reform the budget process and in this context it is stated in the programme for Government that, "We will open up the budget process to the full glare of public scrutiny in a way that restores confidence and stability". However, we are heading towards the introduction of the Government's third budget with the same absence of public scrutiny that was the hallmark of the previous Administration.

In view of the fact that representatives from the troika are here again to scrutinise our public finances and examine the details relating to the budget to be introduced in October, will the Leader arrange a debate on the Government's commitment to reform the budget process? Will he also ensure that, if possible, the House will commence its debates on the budget now in order that we might inform the budgetary process? The budget is being introduced earlier this year - in October as opposed to December - and it is important that we should be in a position to comment on the type of budget which this House and the Oireachtas in general wants put in place in order to stimulate the economy, get people back to work and give hope to households and local communities. The Unite trade union is holding a pre-budget conference later in the week. If these are the dying days of the Seanad, it is important that the House should inform the budgetary process and be seen to be relevant and functional. I would welcome it if the Leader could bring a relevant Minister before the House in order to discuss the budget and the negotiations taking place with the troika in respect of our priorities. Will he prioritise my request and ensure that such a debate is held prior to the summer recess?