Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the words of congratulations and welcome extended to Senator Craughwell, our new Senator. His election is a cumulation of a hectic few weeks. I also welcome his wife and son to the Chamber today. He is another man with Galway connections so there is no doubt he will be a strong advocate for the west and also a very strong advocate for education and investment in education. I very much look forward to working closely with him for the remaining year and a half of this Seanad. Today is a proud and wonderful day for him and his family. It is also an historic occasion to arrive on the day of the budget, a day that he will not forget for many years to come.

I welcome the fact that this afternoon the Minister for Finance will present his budget. As the Leas-Chathaoirleach has said, we will have statements on it at 4 p.m. I hope we will see a budget that will secure the recovery that has been evident in recent times, that will build on the sacrifices that people have made over the past three and half years and that we put in place structures and a budget that will ensure we will not repeat any of the mistakes of the past.

I also hope it will give some relief and some benefits to people who have been hard hit over the past few years. We are all waiting with interest and excitement for the budget that will be presented at 2.30 p.m.