Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remember, predominantly when Senator Murnane O'Connor's party was in government, those responsible announced the budgets in December but it was nearly the back end of the following year when the social welfare increases came into effect. I am glad they are coming in next March. It is important that all people benefit from the €5 increase, whether the pensioner or the carer.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of insecticide. I will not even attempt to pronounce it but I will ask the Minister examine the matter.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan, outside the budget, welcomed the measure relating to Shannon. I very much hope it will benefit Shannon. My view as Leader of the House is that it is important for Shannon Airport to do well. Equally, it is important in the context of Norwegian flights coming out of Cork that the transatlantic route is opened up.

We will have the budget debate. It feels like we have had it already. If I have missed the remarks of any of the Members, I will be happy to remedy it. With regard to the amendment to the Order of Business, I am not happy to take it.