Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In recent days, I have heard the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, say that he expects to recoup up to €30 billion of the Government's investment in the banks. As the old saying goes: "Live horse, get grass." That may or may not happen, but I feel it is unusual. I have still not received clarity from anybody on the Government side as to why they are against the notion of engaging in a debt conference, particularly as we have unsustainable debt.

I wish to formally second the amendment by my colleague, Senator O'Donovan.

I rose primarily to express my astonishment at the decision by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to withhold a measly €1 million of lottery funding which traditionally goes to youth organisations and others across the country. For example, the Father Peter McVerry Trust announced that it would lose €12,000 of State funding from the lottery, which it would have used for the homeless. I find it extraordinary that on the one hand the Government is expressing sincere sympathy with the homeless and taking action in that respect, while on the other hand allowing an organisation that helps the homeless to lose €12,000. The Government is withholding a measly €1 million out of a total budget of approximately €240 million. The Leader should ask a Minister from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to attend this House to explain exactly what that budget is being spent on. This unacceptable decision will affect a wide variety of youth organisations across the State.