Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. I welcome the package announced by the Government yesterday. It is in excess of €1 billion and comes to approximately €1.3 billion. It is fairly well targeted. In these situations, it is not possible to look after everybody in the way we might like. I think from talking with the public that people are quite satisfied with this.We are in the lucky situation that we have an extra bit of money, mainly because of corporate taxes, which enables us to do this at this point in time. It certainly would be a very difficult position for very many people if we could not come to their aid at this particular juncture because many people are finding life tough. I think that without those Government interventions, many people would be in a very poor situation.

I welcome the fact that the VAT rate will be held at 9%. I know that not everybody politically wanted that to be done but retaining the rate is really important. Like Senator Conway, I call for a wide debate on VAT rates going forward. I believe that 13% VAT is way too high for the tourism sector, which is comprised of hotels and restaurants, and I would like to see something happening on that as we go forward. I also welcome the new educational package announced by the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley.

All of the announcements are good. I challenge the energy companies to start reducing their prices. They should do that and play their part as they have made enormous profits. I also hope that the cost of diesel and petrol will come down. That seems to be the indication and I hope that will happen.

I have spoken previously about how we treat front-line workers. The recent attack on two members of An Garda Síochána in this city was absolutely disgraceful. We must condemn these attacks no matter where they happen in this country. I saw a picture of one of the gardaí standing beside a squad car and looking into the faces of about a dozen people. It is clear from the picture that written all over his face is concern about what will happen to him. I wonder what went through that gentleman's mind at that time. There is no justification whatsoever for these types of attacks. I do not think that it is good enough for us to come into either the Dáil or the Seanad and talk about these issues. We need a debate on respect for front-line workers and we, as Senators, should lead it. Perhaps the Deputy Leader will follow up and arrange a debate. I would like the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste or the Minister for Transport to attend the debate. I ask for that because we need to take a lead on this matter. Attacks have happened all over this country. Fine people who were in nursing, in teaching and in An Garda Síochána have left their good jobs not because of the cost of living but because of the abuse they have received. Therefore, we must find a better way to handle situations where people get frustrated, annoyed and angered. We must condemn the attacks that have recently occurred on members of An Garda Síochána and we should all condemn the attacks.