David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. By way of comment on the Leas-Chathaoirleach's observations, it is utter lunacy in a democracy that this House cannot make amendments to finance Bills but I discovered to my horror the other day in the newspapers, and the Minister might confirm if it is true, that Members of the Dáil are not allowed make amendments either. Only members of the Government can do that. In a democracy that is absolutely asinine. For what are we elected? The civil servants, saving the presence of the two fine gentlemen behind the Minister, made a thorough balls of the economy, as did the other House. I do not know why on earth we should not be allowed our hand's turn.

I support this amendment. Senator O'Brien and his colleagues are not looking for a reinstatement of the savage cuts that were made and I imagine the Minister of State, as a member of the Labour Party, would want to restore these cuts as soon as possible, as would I am sure the Minister, Deputy Burton. To keep the matter under review with the intention of ameliorating the situation is a reasonable demand and I hope the Minister will feel able to accept it.