Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no indication from the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, that he intends to come to the House to address that issue.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of property rights and welcomed the reduction in the live register figures. A number of Members spoke about the budget and welcomed that the cuts involved will be less than €3.1 billion. The deficit target is 5.1% and, irrespective of the actual figure, I am sure that target will be met in the budget on 15 October.

Senator Barrett and many other Senators offered a passionate defence of this House, mentioning all the good things that have happened. This is a theme that ran through the speeches of many Members today. The campaign has been a difficult one for many in this House. Tomorrow the people will speak and it will be their decision. As democrats, I am sure we will all accept the wisdom of the electorate. Irrespective of the result, I assure Members that this House will carry on until the next Government is formed and I am sure we will carry out our duties with the same dignity and respect we have shown during the past two and a half years, acting as our predecessors did.