Seanad debates

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

3:30 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2017, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude no later than 7 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and with the Minister or Minister of State to be called upon to reply no later than 6.55 p.m.

Photo of Catherine ArdaghCatherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
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Today's budget is a better and fairer budget than any of the past five budgets introduced by the previous Fine Gael and Labour Party Government due to the influence of Fianna Fáil. The confidence and supply agreement we entered into with Fine Gael required us to facilitate budgets and ensure they agreed with the priorities outlined in the framework document. That agreement gave priority to investment in public services over tax cuts and required a 2:1 split in budgets to recognise the new priorities and enable us to start investing in our people again. This has been more than achieved in the budget. We have seen a 3:1 split in public services over tax cuts, which is welcome.

Fianna Fáil has achieved on many issues and the first issue was capital acquisitions tax. In recent weeks we read that the Government would increase the threshold for group A relatives where a parent wanted to give a gift to his or her child. The threshold has been increased for groups B and C due to contributions made by Fianna Fáil.

The second element that I am happy Fianna Fáil managed to improve is a reduction in deposit interest retention tax, DIRT. Many people, including the elderly, have a lot of money deposited in banks and applying DIRT would be unfair. I am glad that the Government has taken a step in the right direction.

I am unhappy with the first-time buyer's grant. A lot of first-time buyers will have watched the Budget Statement today but I knew exactly what would happen to the grant. Last week, I mentioned in this House that we heard whispers of a first-time buyer's grant worth €10,000. Today, we have heard that there will be a first-time buyer's grant of €20,000. That will put an extra €20,000 into the hands of auctioneers and developers.

Photo of Catherine ArdaghCatherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
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The grant will do nothing for people who live in Dublin, and specifically in my constituency where there are no homes being built. I do not know where homes worth €400,000 are being built but they are not being built in Dublin. The new initiative directly discriminates against first-time buyers in Dublin. The grant should have been applied to second-hand homes.

The grant will not increase the supply of new homes. Instead, the Government needs to reduce development levies, introduce a site tax, analyse the costs associated with building houses, such as the certification process, or reduce the amount of building regulations. The Government needs to come up with a pragmatic way to increase supply. The grant goes nowhere near that and is disappointing. I cannot believe the grant has been increased to €20,000 when the sum originally mooted was €10,000.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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With the day that is in it I congratulate Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on their first post-election budget.

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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It has been gas to hear a lot of the contributions made about the budget. It is clear that the backroom deal is not about what is best for the people, the economy or services. It is a budget where Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil dance to each other's tune and see how close they can get.

Photo of Lorraine Clifford LeeLorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail)
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Sinn Féin should have entered government.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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Fair play to Fianna Fáil for staying in the room. For God's sake, will we have to listen to the phrase "we stayed in the room" for the next 20 years?

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Through the Chair, please.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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Fianna Fáil believes it is just so wonderful for staying in the room with its partners. Nobody has ever been able to tell me the difference between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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The reason is-----

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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The budget will not end the crisis in health and housing. It will not provide for the end of water charges that are due in March 2017. It will not end the crisis in homelessness. It will not end the hardship being experienced by tenants or mortgage holders. It will not close the tax loopholes that the partners in government deny exist in the first place and that this country has lost billions of euro over. It will not address the decades of neglect in rural Ireland and in the west, in any sense of the word.

We have been told that we will get an increase in Leader funding but we have not been reminded that millions of euro have been cut from the current Leader programme. In Mayo alone as much as €9 million has been cut from the Leader programme so I am extremely interested in the size of the increase in Leader funding.

The budget will be wrapped up and sold to the Irish people on the basis that we are being responsible and fair because these are two words of choice at the moment.Obviously, Fine Gael, and especially Fianna Fáil, have been told to use these two wordsad nauseam. I am not sure whether they are getting this advice from their Tory advisers or Michael O'Leary these days and I find it-----

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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It is not Slab Murphy anyway.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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Is Senator Reilly sure? He should speak through the Chair.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Yes, Senator.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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A couple of things were mentioned that I cannot let pass. Senator Reilly will be familiar with this from his time in the Department of Health. First, it has been said that what was introduced today is a budget for auctioneers and developers. I believe it is. It will benefit auctioneers and developers and do nothing to ease the homelessness crisis. When I became a member of Mayo County Council, I could not believe that approximately 52% of the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors were auctioneers.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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An honourable profession.

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
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They were to be representative of the public. The other issue is the home help packages. I heard members of Fianna Fáil saying it was terrible that the packages and home help hours were not provided. We know what Fianna Fáil did to home help hours and home help packages and how Fine Gael continued the Fianna Fáil approach to health. This budget is absolutely under-whelming and will do nothing to ease the crisis in this country. It indicates that there is no understanding of how ordinary people in this country are suffering at present, such as people with children who have special needs, people on hospital trolleys and people who are suffering as a result of the austerity that was imposed on them.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Last week, I called on the Leader to arrange a debate on the Defence Forces' preparedness for Brexit. Two days later I attended the conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, in Cork. Our Defence Forces are in a state of crisis. We heard in Cork about a soldier on parade who wore a non-issued pair of boots. He had to buy them himself because he could not get a pair of boots issued from the central clothing store. There are large stocks of uniforms held in central clothing but they might be the wrong size or whatever. This soldier was not able to get a pair of boots. We also heard about soldiers unable to get clothing when they needed it.

The climate survey carried out for the Defence Forces shows an appalling situation within the latter. On top of that, the attrition rates relating to commissioned officers are at crisis level. Listening to the radio one morning, I heard that the career choice for a commissioned officer above the rank of captain is a move to Aldi. We are talking about the people who defend this country and represent it with honour on behalf of the United Nations - they have been doing so since the late 1950s - yet these young men and women are unable to get clothing. Young officers who go through their training at the Curragh and who are a credit to this country have no career trajectory or options ahead of them. It is time this House held a long debate-----

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I apologise for interrupting but somebody's telephone is interfering with the microphones. That is not very helpful.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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It might be mine because it controls my hearing aid. I am sorry about that.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps the Senator might move it away from the microphone.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Yes. The House must have a debate on the Defence Forces with the Minister. It is a crisis situation. The Defence Forces are below strength at present and that cannot continue. The Defence Forces have no voice aside from their representative bodies. They have nobody to speak for them and no industrial relations process open to them other than through their representative bodies. As a former proud member of the 1st Infantry Battalion in Galway, I would like to have the opportunity to voice some of their concerns. I ask the Leader to organise that debate as quickly as possible.

Photo of Frances BlackFrances Black (Independent)
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With regard to the budget, I wish to highlight the homelessness issue. Homelessness is one of the greatest scandals of our time.The fact that children are forced to grow up in hotel rooms is totally unacceptable. The imposition of rent controls should be a priority. I do not agree with the granting of tax relief to landlords who are driving rents up to unsustainable levels. The housing crisis cannot be solved by the private sector but needs capital spending on new social homes. The first-time buyers grant will not make homes affordable. It will push people into huge mortgage debt again and the benefits will go, once more, to builders.

I welcome the increase in duty on tobacco but an increase in the tax on alcohol, which is also detrimental to the health of our people and a significant burden on our health service, should have been imposed. The increased income from this tax could then have been ring-fenced for the relevant services. I am not involved in the temperance movement or anti-alcohol but I see the impact of alcohol on a daily basis. I work at the coal face in this area and I know that alcohol can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.

While I welcome the extra €1 billion for our health services, I hope that some of that additional money will be spent on our mental health services, for which there is such a need. As we all know, referrals to the child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, increased by more than 50% between 2011 and 2014. Too many people in mental health distress who are at risk of suicide are being forced to present at accident and emergency departments or Garda stations because there are no appropriate services outside of office hours. We must see continued investment in community mental health services and 24-hour services are needed for people who are particularly at risk of suicide. Staffing levels for specialist mental health services for particular high-risk groups of adults and children require urgent attention. In 2009, the Mental Health Commission issued an amendment to its code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act of 2001 which reads as follows:

In respect of the admission of a child to an approved centre for adults, the following applies:a) No child under 16 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st July 2009;

b) No child under 17 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2010; and

c) No child under 18 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2011.

Is this code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 being implemented? This is a matter that requires urgent attention. It is extremely important that we protect our vulnerable citizens and who is more vulnerable in society than children and fellow citizens who are in mental health distress?

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I know that we will have statements on the budget later but for all the love-bombing between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and all the talk of fivers flying around, it is a somewhat underwhelming budget. Like many colleagues, I listened in the Dáil Chamber to the speeches of the two Ministers. It is disappointing to see the lack of ambition in some areas, particularly in the area of child care. I think we are due to have a debate in this Chamber on child care in the coming weeks. In light of today's announcement, I welcome that debate. I very much welcome the package of child care measures announced but it lacks ambition to have the universal payment limited to children under three rather than children up to the age of 12. We should also have seen an extension to the paid paternity leave provision that was commenced under the previous Government.

I have also sought a debate on third-level funding in the House. In today's budget, that can was kicked down the road. The Minister made reference to the Cassells report but only announced that he would conduct a review of the Exchequer and employer contribution without actually grasping the nettle of reform. While the increase of €36.5 million for higher education is very welcome, I understand it is to be shared between the further and higher-education sectors. As a result, it will be quite thinly spread across a sector that is so in need of additional funding.

Others have spoken about the disappointing allocation for the arts and the very small increase in the minimum wage of only ten cent per hour. There is a Twitter war going on at present about the overseas development aid allocation. As I read, there is no increase but the Minister has recently tweeted that there will be an increase official development assistance. If that is true, it is very welcome but it is certainly not evident from the Estimates.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on development more generally, official development assistance and, in particular, development and gender. I ask that while noting that today is the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child.While there is a recognition in the development programmes of the particularly disproportionate disadvantage suffered by girls in developing countries, we know that in developed countries sexism and sexist attitudes still prevail as exemplified perhaps in the recent revelations on tape from US presidential candidate Donald Trump. It seems that sexist attitudes towards women are not confined to any particular country or culture. It is very disturbing to see a US presidential debate sink to a new low. I ask the Leader for a debate on our overseas development aid contributions, our commitments under international targets, the issue of gender and the recognition of gender in those development programmes.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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Yesterday was World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of the day was to raise awareness of health issues and to mobilise efforts in supporting mental health. I can say with a fair degree of certainty that no family in this country has not been affected directly by the issue of mental health, whether depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug issues. I absolutely agree with Senator Black on many of these issues. We all have an obligation to continue to reduce the stigma around mental health distress. It has been a pivotal factor in promoting the importance of mental health.

I am staggered by the factor that the rate of youth suicide in Ireland is the fifth highest in the European union. Older people, especially older men, may also be vulnerable. Suicide is affecting an increasing number of Irish people of all ages. We should endorse Mental Health Day and we must work together to try to erase the stigma of mental health distress.

Photo of Lorraine Clifford LeeLorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail)
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I also join Senator Bacik in raising the issue of child care, particularly because it is the International Day of the Girl Child. Girls grow up to be mothers and, in the main, it is mothers who are impacted by our pitiful response to the costs and provision of child care in this country. We support the Minister, Deputy Katherine Zappone's increase in funding for families to meet their child care costs, but we have a number of concerns with the design of the scheme.

The proposed scheme is essentially two schemes, a high level subsidy of €8,000 per annum for low income families earning below €47,000 and a much lower universal child care subsidy up to €900 per annum for households earning more than €47,000. The major problem I can see immediately is that this scheme only begins in September 2017, which means essentially we have a full year to wait before families and particularly mothers are catered for by this Government.

There are also a number of other issues that I can foresee. It is possible the scheme may discriminate against couples who opt for joint assessment of income. The Minister is proposing a scheme that requires households to input their PPS number into a system which tells them whether they are eligible. If an individual is earning under €47,000, he or she may become eligible, and likewise a couple earning under that amount who are jointly assessed. If, however, one person in a couple is earning under €47,00 and the other is earning more than that but they are not jointly assessed, he or she may become eligible. It is something we need to look out for in this area. This is not a progressive proposal. If a couple is earning more than €47,000, for example, €48,000 or €49,000, they become eligible only for the subsidy of €900 per annum. That is terribly unfair because that is the same subsidy paid to a family earning a combined income of €200,000. That needs to be considered.

Capacity is a significant issue. There are insufficient child care place, with long waiting lists for families seeking child care. This will put extra pressure on the system. I would like the Minister to address this in some way. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister to bring forward the start date of the proposed scheme.Families cannot wait until September 2017. I was disappointed not to see the extension of paid paternity leave and an element of maternity and paternity leave sharing between couples. I will leave it at that for today.

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein)
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I propose extending the time allowed for the debate on the budget at 5 p.m. to three hours. It seems this House gets undermined a good deal. We have two hours, yet there are hours for it in the Dáil. I would like the Leader to accept that proposal.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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To clarify, are you formally proposing that?

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein)
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Yes, I am formally proposing it.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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We will take that as a proposal.

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein)
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I found the budget quite bare and sketchy. I was looking at health in particular. The figure of €35 billion is being talked about. We know that this has been promised year after year. Even last April, they attempted to take it back. The cheque has never actually been lodged in the bank account. I would like to delve a little into the health aspect of the budget. It is world mental health week, not world mental health day. It runs for the week and we need to be reminded of it. Then again, Fine Gael saw fit to vote down the 24 hour, seven day Private Members' Bill last week. It is a little ironic for those responsible to stand up and talk about it when they are not prepared to put their money where their mouths are.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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In welcoming today's budget I want to welcome in particular the announcement by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, of the €1.9 million allocation to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. This includes extra moneys for the reopening of Killarney House. This will provide for the staffing-----

(Interruptions).

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Is there anything local about that?

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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Is it being opened again?

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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This is a major national visitor attraction in our country.

(Interruptions).

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Coghlan, without interruption, le do thoil.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It is a magnificent house beautifully restored at great cost.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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No doubt Senator Coghlan will be at the opening.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It needs staffing. Thanks be to God following today's announcement it will be able to reopen in early course in 2017. It is within the town and the national park. The beautiful grounds and gardens cover 35 acres and stretch all the way to the shores of Lough Leane, just north of Ross Castle.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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It is a short distance from Senator Coghlan's house.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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This is a magnificent property located within the town of Killarney, which you are most familiar with, a Chathaoirligh, if I may say so.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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On Munster final days only.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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The national park stretches all the way from Muckross right into the town, west of Muckross Road. Perhaps I should leave it at that because there seems to be much tittering. I know we are all enjoying this budget. It is a very good budget, contrary to some of the remarks. I look forward very much to that.

Photo of Gerard CraughwellGerard Craughwell (Independent)
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With a fiver a week? Go away.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I have taken your point. Thank you very much, Senator Coghlan. Senator Norris, I will let you in. You remind me a little of the song, "Nobody's Child", but I am always looking out for you.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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I will adopt you as a parent, a Chathaoirligh.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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You are very caring, a Chathaoirligh.

I am bored senseless by the budget. I think it is a complete and utter waste of time. It has been leaked for weeks. I remember a time when Ministers were fired for the smallest leak. We know all about it. We would have been better off with no budget at all. Let the country continue and let it recover. The housing grant is completely mad. It is back to the crazy days of 2008.

Anyway, I am keen to raise one issue. In budget 2011 the Government cancelled the maintenance grant for postgraduate students. As a result there was a decline in postgraduate applications. The worry is that this decline takes place most severely in the more deprived socioeconomic areas. Instead of encouraging people from deprived backgrounds to take part in university life fully as well as research and so on, we are actually discouraging them.

The latest figures from 2015 show that 2,542 individuals received assistance with tuition fees. That is a decrease of 8% and it is probably worse this year. Tom Boland, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority, said: "The HEA would be concerned if a lack of financial support is preventing less well-off students from continuing with their studies to postgraduate level." That is what seems to be happening.Peter Cassells, in the report of the expert group on higher education, says that supports for part-time and postgraduate students are very limited and urges an increase in payments. Will the Leader be kind enough to contact the Minister for Education and Skills and make these points?

Although our university rankings appear to be falling I gather the universities made mistakes in the way they presented the figures and we are much better off in terms of the rankings than appears. However, at a time when we do appear to be sinking due to lack of investment, investment in postgraduate students, and particularly maintenance for people who come from lower socio-economic levels, would be very important.

Photo of Aidan DavittAidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I am very disappointed with the measure for first-time buyer grants in this budget as it increases the city-rural divide and inequalities in our society. A person privileged enough to live within the M50 belt can avail of this grant but outside that it will apply to almost no one. Contrary to my colleague’s belief that this plan is welcomed by the auctioneers of this country, it is anything but. Young families from Belmullet to Mullingar see no housing starts or benefits from this measure in the budget. It is certainly discrimination.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the budget today and in particular the increase of €1 billion in the health care budget. It is extremely important that it be managed properly. I was interested to listen to the leader of Sinn Féin giving out about the budget. We are trying to encourage more nurses and doctors to come home to work in Ireland whereas Sinn Féin’s proposed increase in taxation would discourage them.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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Many good people from the health care sector have left the country and it is important that we do everything possible to bring them back. A total of 38% of the doctors working in this country are non-Irish graduates. Many are abroad and we need to encourage them back. Between now and 2025 there will be a shortfall of 95,000 medical practitioners in the United States. That is the challenge we face. We are competing in a world market.

It is important to use this health care budget wisely and make sure we get the maximum number of frontline staff available to provide the services. Many people seem to have forgotten where we have come from. We were borrowing money at 14%. The last Government bond sold was at 0.33% interest. Unemployment has come down from 15% to 7.9%. It is important to make sure we do not go wild because extra money is coming in through taxation. A total of 160,000 more people are working now than four years ago. With over 2 million working, more taxation is coming in but it is important to spend that money wisely and carefully and that we put in the necessary support services into our health care sector.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I call Senator Gavan. My apologies, Senator Ó Donnghaile is first.

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Ná bí buartha, a Chathaoirligh. Gabh mo leithscéal, bhí mé i mo chodladh ansin. Communities along the Border mobilised-----

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Gabh mo leithscéal, a Sheanadóir.

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Ná bí buartha. Ná bíodh aon imní ort, a Chathaoirligh. Bhí mé chomh lochtach mé fhéin. At the weekend communities along the Border mobilised against the decision taken against their will on Brexit. I have raised this issue consistently in this Chamber. It was impressive and uplifting to see people beyond the realm of politics take to their feet to mobilise in a concerted way against the negative implications of Brexit.It was good, too, to see people from right across the various party political divides represented at the event.

It is critical that we in this House have an opportunity to hear directly, through the mechanism of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, from members of Border Communities Against Brexit. The campaign group is made up of representatives of the agricultural sector and farming community, the trade union movement, the community and voluntary sector, the small business sector and people involved in all aspects of civic and community life. In that context, it is astounding that today's budget makes absolutely no reference to the communities along the Border and the unique and bespoke support they require, not only because they are facing difficulties as a result of Brexit but because of the generational difficulties they have faced dating back many years. Never mind the Border's failures in the broader political and economic context, it always has been a hindrance and detriment - on a practical level - for people who live along it. With the imposition of Brexit on people in the North, against the will of communities there, we will have a situation where some farmers will not just have parts of their land in both the North and South but also both inside the EU and outside it. The case made at Saturday's rally against taking the North out of the Union was compelling. I am sure the same arguments were replicated at rallies across the Border. I am encouraged that we have had an opportunity to debate this issue extensively and I hope we continue to do so. We should take the opportunity, through the CPP, to hear directly from the lobby group to which I refer.

Photo of Gabrielle McFaddenGabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to give us an update on the issuing of passports in the context of the increase in the number of applications since Brexit? On another issue relating to passports, it has been brought to my attention that several members of the Defence Forces who applied for military passports more than three weeks ago - such passports are required in order to serve in Lebanon - still have not received them. These members - a sergeant and four privates - are scheduled to fly out next Monday as part of an engineering platoon. It is outrageous that soldiers who are going to Lebanon to represent their country should have to go to such lengths - having to contact a politician - in order to secure the necessary military passports.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Gabrielle McFaddenGabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael)
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I would like to have a debate on this matter with the Minister.

I welcome the €690 million that is allocated in the budget for capital expenditure by the Department of Education and Skills. I am delighted with it on a personal level because it includes approval for Coosan national school in my constituency to proceed to tender. The school has been on the books for some 16 years and my late sister, former Deputy Nicky McFadden, and I both worked very hard over a period of eight years to get the project to where it is today. It was on the list for 2016 but was subsequently removed. I requested several months ago that the Minister be asked about that removal. I again ask the Leader to seek to discover how a school can be taken off a list. Fortunately, the Coosan project is now due to go to tender before Christmas, with many Independent Deputies jumping on the bandwagon to make announcements about it. As far as I am concerned, however, it is my announcement because I have been working on it for a long time. Notwithstanding the progress that is now being made, I remain concerned that it was taken off the list without any explanation. I would like to know the reason that was done, whether it was that the previous Minister removed it before the election or any other reason. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister.

Photo of Paul DalyPaul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine still has to announce some of the finer details of the provision for his Department in the budget. However, I note a reference to an increase in expenditure to €211 million under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS. The original budget for the roll-out of the scheme was €250 million, with a suggested uptake of 50,000 farmers.What is proposed is described as an additional spend to raise the level of take-up from 38,000 to 50,000. However, the shortfall in the original take-up rate was due to the bureaucracy involved. How does the Minister propose that those 12,000 additional farmers will join the scheme if there is no change to the constraints and the bureaucracy involved? How can we say this is an increase in the budget, bringing the figure up to €211 million, when the original roll-out was €250 million, with a proposed average spend per farmer of €5,000? At this stage, the average spend per farmer, due to the bureaucracy, is €4,200 in tier 1 to €4,500 in tier 2? How can that be seen as an increase in spend when the money to be available from the original roll-out of €250 million? Today, there are bells and whistles about an increased spend that will raise the figure to €211 million. The Leader might obtain clarification on that.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom cuidiú leis an moladh atá déanta ag mo chomhghleacaí go ndéanfaí leasú ar Riar na hOibre ionas go dtabharfaí níos mó ama don díospóireacht ar an mbuiséad inniu.

The budget will not offer much solace to those people who have been struggling with mortgages or paying almost double in car insurance compared with what they paid previously, etc. It is ironic that a pay increase for the Taoiseach, Ministers, Deputies and Senators will be announced and that----

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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That is not in the budget. The Senator should deal in facts and not spread rumours. There is nothing in the budget about that.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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What are we getting? How much?

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I thought Senator Norris was bored with the budget.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow Senator Ó Clochartaigh to continue. I am sure the Leader will deal with that in his response.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Bíonn an fhírinne searbh. Old age pensioners, people on disability benefit and others will have to wait a number of months for the paltry increases they will get in their social protection payments.

Baineann an cheist mhór atá agam inniu le cúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Bíonn caint mhór ar "beart de réir briathair", ach tá briathar déanta de réir an beart ó thaobh cúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta inniu agus laghdú scannalach de 9% déanta ar bhuiséad na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. Tá mé tar éis iarrachtaí a dhéanamh ionas go mbeadh díospóireacht againn maidir le cúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Cén fáth a bhfuil an Rialtas seo ag díriú ar chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta nuair atá gearradh siar a dhéanamh?

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tá laghdú de 9% le feiceáil go soiléir sna figiúirí. D'admhaigh an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Seán Kyne, ar Raidió na Gaeltachta ar ball beag go bhfuil gearradh siar de 9% á dhéanamh ar bhuiséad na Roinne. Tá sé scannalach. Tá sé ag cur as dom freisin nach bhfuil na bunsonraí maidir le caiteachas na Roinne sin le fáil againn. De ghnáth, bíonn briseadh síos sa bhuiséad ar céard atá le caitheamh faoi na rannóga éagsúla, ach níl aon eolas breise tugtha dúinn inniu faoin Foras Teanga, srl. Tá duine éigin ó na meáin tar éis a rá liom go ndúirt oifigeach PR de chuid na Roinne nach mbeidh na sonraí sin ar fáil go dtí an Nollaig. Ba chóir go mbeidís ar fáil inniu againn agus ba mhaith liom dá n-iarrfaí iad sin ar an bpointe boise.

Bhí sé ráite freisin ag an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna le daoine a bhíonn ag plé le réimse an oideachais sa Ghaeltacht go mbeadh €7 milliún breise le fáil le haghaidh an polasaí nua oideachas Gaeltachta. Ní fheicim aon rud luaite faoi sin i ráiteas an lae inniu. B'fhéidir go dtiocfadh an Rialtas soiléiriú faoi sin dúinn. Léirigh Sinn Féin sa bhuiséad malartach a chuir muid ar fáil go gcuireadh muid €1.5 milliún breise ar fáil do phleanáil teanga, €5 milliún breise ar fáil mar airgead caipitil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta, €4.5 milliún ar fáil mar chreidmheas cánach agus €7.58 milliún ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge. Tá teipthe ar Fhianna Fáil chomh maith céanna seasamh suas do chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Bhí lámh an-mhór acu sa bhuiséad atá leagtha amach inniu. Gheall siad do na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge go seasfadh siad an fód ar a son, ach is léir go bhfuil teipthe orthu go hiomlán.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom go mbeadh Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta istigh anseo, gan a bheith ag imeacht i bhfolach orainn. Ba cheart dó teacht anseo le míniú a thabhairt dúinn cén fáth go bhfuil réimse na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta mar cheann den líon beag rannóga a bhfuil gearradh siar déanta arís air. Tá sé náireach agus scannalach go bhfuil an Rialtas ag ligint do seo tarlú. Ba chóir go mbeadh náire ar Fhine Gael agus ar Fhianna Fáil, agus ar na Neamhspleáigh atá ag tacú leo, nár sheas siad an fód sa chomhthéacs seo.Tá an t-am istigh.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Tá an t-am istigh.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I will start by saying we had enough excitement with boom-and-bust budgets. Boring is good enough for me because the excitement of boom-and-bust budgets was not much fun for the many of our citizens who suffered as a consequence of them.

I very much welcome the increased money for education. The importance of education to our future needs no further debate by me. People understand that. I welcome the child care increase - it is important that it is focused in the manner outlined in the budget - to providers so that Government can have a say over standards and some control over costs.Of course, one would like to do more but we have just come out of the most serious economic recession the country has ever endured. I welcome, therefore that there will be an additional €130 million or €145 million for child care. I really welcome the money allocated in respect of health and I hope the reforms continue in the area. As stated previously, money alone will not cure that problem. Senator Devine spoke about putting our money where our mouth is. In that context, specific money is being allocated in the area of mental health. The issue has been taken very seriously by this Government for some time.

There are changes in the universal social charge that will give some small relief to hard-pressed workers. We would love to do more. There is money for roads and infrastructure. I was especially glad to hear that metro north is still on track and the money for that will also be forthcoming.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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There is money for the national maternity hospital, which is very important, and our new paediatric hospital. Again, we are investing in our future and our children. I agree with the provision of money for first-time buyers. I remind those in Fianna Fáil who have cried so much about this that they introduced a similar measure in the 1980s. I thank them as I gained from it when I bought my first house.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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What a mistake it was too. Everybody acknowledges that it was a mistake.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Not at all. Houses are very expensive in Dublin and this gives young people an opportunity to get on the ladder. It is not always that a house is the first purchase, as it can often be an apartment that starts a young family on the ladder. People need to live close to where they work and much of the work is in Dublin. There is much work down the country as well, and that should be addressed through our regional plan for jobs.

There is clearly much more to be done but we have also put in money to address housing shortages and homelessness. Having put in €1.2 billion, the Government has done as good a job as could be done with the limited increased funds available. Never let the perfect get in the way of the good.

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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We just have seen small snippets of the budget. When we see what areas are being addressed, we can see how the most vulnerable people in every area are affected. This is Mental Health Week and there are volunteers in my constituency putting on over 60 events to help people who are queuing to get appointments for doctors. This budget should address such issues and unless that happens, we might as well throw the money down the river. The money is there and it is up to the Government to see that those areas which need it will get it. It is the same with disabilities. There are more than 500,000 people with disabilities in Ireland and people are waiting 12 weeks for carer's allowance. These people need that money. This is a budget that can work if the money is used wisely. If it is not used wisely, it will be no good.

I am very disappointed that old-age pensioners must wait until next March for their €5 increase. It should be given to them earlier. These are the most vulnerable people in society. The same applies with regard to jobseekers and carers. Unless this budget delivers to the people in need, from those with disabilities to those affected by the housing crisis to those who are on trolleys, it will not be a success. Until we see it and let it go forward, I hope I will be able to work with it and ensure the people I represent will get the best of this budget, like everybody else.

With respect to Sinn Féin's comments-----

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Tá an t-ám istigh.

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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-----Fianna Fáil at least sought agreement while Sinn Féin did not. It added nothing. At least we tried to help.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Fianna Fáil signed off on it. It is a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael budget.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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They are not codding anybody.

Photo of Lorraine Clifford LeeLorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail)
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Sinn Féin is clearly worried about Fianna Fáil in elections. The party peaked too soon.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The Senator's party has gone back down.

Photo of Lorraine Clifford LeeLorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail)
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Not below what we got in the general election.

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Fine Gael)
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I raise the issue of a new insecticide developed by Bayer that is being considered for approval for distribution on the Irish market. Much concern has been expressed about this insecticide, flupyradifurone.The insecticide has been linked with killing bees and other insects that are crucial for the growth of crops and other vegetation. This is a worry as three quarters of the world's crops are pollinated by bees and other insects. With the number of environmental experts and research that outline the harmful effects of the insecticide or the serious risks it poses for food production and the entire food system, along with the way it challenges ecological diversity and biodiversity, will the Leader of the House take up the issue with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine? Will they allay my concerns and the concerns expressed to me about the possible introduction of the insecticide in Europe? Other European countries have challenged the introduction of the insecticide but, in general, Brussels has given it a green light. Use of the insecticide has been challenged in the United States. There has been cause to ban certain insecticides that have been shown to kill off bees. We all know, from recent publicity, the crucial role that bees play in food production.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the main provisions contained in today's budget. I welcome the increase in funding for health, social welfare, education and child care. I look forward to the relevant Minister outlining in detail where increases will be made in funding for further education. I hope that funding is increased for the Youthreach sector as it provides badly needed educational training to vulnerable young people who have dropped out of school. Education is crucial to their lives and chance of progression in life.

Like my colleague, Senator Ó Donnghaile, I was on the Cavan-Fermanagh border at Aghalane last Saturday. I was joined by my colleague, Deputy Brendan Smith, and Cavan county councillors, John Paul Feeley, Sean Smith and Eugene Greenan, for a community protest to highlight the concerns of the communities on both sides of the Border as to what Brexit means in terms of both counties and to the general Border area. There were four other protests that were attended by political parties from north and south of the Border.

I am gravely concerned, and it is the one major concern that I have with today's budget, that only €1 million has been allocated to provide extra personnel to deal with the effects of Brexit. Will the Leader of the House engage with the Taoiseach and his Cabinet colleagues as a matter of urgency? The Government must allocate an extra €1 million to tackle this crisis head on. Nobody knows the extent of the crisis but Border communities have already suffered as a result of the depreciation of sterling. We lived with a border for long enough. At the time people had to travel, through necessity, across the Border to shop because goods were far cheaper in the North because of sterling. The one thing that the protest I attended on Saturday signalled was that the communities on both sides will not tolerate going back to the situation we had prior to the peace process.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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That should be noted, and noted very clearly.

I wish to make another point and thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence. The peaceful protest was led by Fr. McVeigh, a priest from County Fermanagh. People from communities on both sides of the Border, business people, agricultural people, community leaders and others participated. While the protest lasted, a PSNI helicopter flew over the public meeting.If that is not incitement, I do not know what is. We are not returning to that, so people should get their act together and deal with it.

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear. Well said.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I broadly welcome the budget.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely. Like Senator Murnane O'Connor, I am disappointed immediate effect is not being given to the social welfare increases. The litmus test of a society or democracy is how it treats its old age pensioners in particular. Whatever boom and doom occurred and whatever destruction took place in the economy, it certainly was not the fault of old age pensioners. They have no options and their circumstances are highly circumscribed. I am glad the Minister was able to do something for them in the budget. It vindicates the position adopted by my party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin. We have been criticised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh but Fianna Fáil took the responsible road by entering into a confidence and supply arrangement with the Fine Gael Party. Will we ever forget how Sinn Féin members were so terrified when those negotiations were taking place? They were like rabbits caught in the headlights-----

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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-----for as long as the talks went on, for fear that the finger would be pointed at them and they would eventually have to step up to the mark and do something responsible-----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Absolute nonsense.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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-----which they will never do, on either side of the Border.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Fianna Fáil is co-signatory of the budget.

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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The Senator has seen the example of Martin McGuinness.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator O'Sullivan, without interruption. Senator, you are inviting challenge.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Micheál Martin deserves great credit for-----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The de facto coalition.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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-----the increases in education. He made that a red line issue and made it clear that our party considered education to be vital. We must be realistic. The economy has recovered immensely and we will give credit where it is due.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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The economy is the economy.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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For whom did it improve?

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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We face a huge problem with Brexit but if we all act responsibly, if everybody puts their shoulder to the wheel and if people will stop sitting on the fence and throwing abuse all of the time, we will make progress.

I welcome, and draw the Leader's attention to, the wonderful announcement by Shannon Airport today regarding the new service to Shannon by SAS, Scandinavian Airlines. SAS has been operating in Ireland for 50 years but this service will be important for the mid-west. It will give entrepreneurs and business people in the mid-west access to the Norwegian market and, through SAS, access to over 22 other airlines. It is a huge hub for us, a big opportunity for our business people and a huge opportunity for tourism in Clare, Galway, Kerry and the mid-west, which has been welcomed by the chief executive officer of Fáilte Ireland. A couple of years ago there was talk that Shannon Airport was going to be mothballed. There was much doom and gloom. A number of us stood up for Shannon when it was under pressure, including men and women from Clare and Kerry. It is good news for the mid-west on budget day. I congratulate those responsible for Shannon Airport and I ask the Leader to take note of that and ensure further supports are given to the airport, as required.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has stolen a march on Senator Conway. I call the Leader to respond.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I thank the 21 Senators who predominantly raised the measures in the budget. I will deal with them as best I can and I apologise if I miss some of the points made.

I echo the words of Senator Ned O'Sullivan. If one were to listen to the merchants of doom and gloom, we would return to the situation of 2001 and 2011 as opposed to where we are today, where more than 2 million people are at work. The Minister, Deputy Noonan, presented his sixth budget to the Dáil today. Sinn Féin voted against every measure, despite voting for the bank guarantee scheme. Let us get the facts right. Its Members come to this House, week in and week out, and they are for nothing and against everything. Let us call a spade a spade.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Nonsense. The Leader should have read the alternative budget.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow the Leader to respond.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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It is very progressive.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Leprechaun economics.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Fianna Fáil did not even have an alternative budget.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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This is the first of three budgets under the confidence and supply arrangement with Fianna Fáil. The only party that wanted to go into government was Fine Gael. The Independents joined us.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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They had to get in.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Fianna Fáil opted out and Sinn Féin would not do anything.

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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We talked to everybody. That is not true.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The reality is that the only man who wanted to lead a Government was Deputy Enda Kenny, and he has done that.

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Micheál Martin did.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The people of Ireland did not support him.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The sacrifices -----

(Interruptions).

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow the Leader.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The sacrifices of the people of Ireland along with the political leadership of the last Government and this Government have brought our country to a better place than when we took office. This budget may not be perfect but we are not going back to the days of boom and bloom, to borrow a famous phrase from a former Minister for Finance, former Deputy Ray MacSharry. If one looks at the proposals put forward in the alternative Sinn Féin budget, one sees that it would tax those who work, tax those who employ and would put this country in hock forever.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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In its alternative budget, Sinn Féin was proposing €1 billion worth of new taxes.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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That party will send people on the emigrant boats and planes -----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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To pay for services.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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----- away forever.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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To pay for services and to invest in front-line workers.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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This Government is bringing people home. There are 2 million people at work. If Senator Ó Clochartaigh had his way, we would have placards from here to the Red Cow and across the four corners of the country. We would be back in the 1950s -----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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That is absolute nonsense.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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----- and we would be dancing at the crossroads. Today we have factories at the crossroads, we are a high-tech, low-tax country with people back at work.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We are a low-tax country for high earners.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Ó Clochartaigh should be ashamed of himself.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We are only a low-tax country for high earners.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I ask Senators to respect the Leader and allow him to -----

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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This Government and this budget -----

(Interruptions).

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I remind everyone that there will be a debate on the budget after the Order of Business.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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This budget is committed to protecting a fragile economy. Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill and Diarmuid Wilson spoke about the problems around Brexit. What this Government must do now is not what Sinn Féin would do -----

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Why is the economy fragile?

Photo of Marie Louise O'DonnellMarie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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Thanks to Sinn Féin.

Photo of Marie Louise O'DonnellMarie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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Thanks to Sinn Féin.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We are in opposition.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Please allow the Leader to respond.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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That encapsulates the approach of Senator Ó Clochartaigh and Sinn Féin to everything. We are in opposition, we will oppose, oppose, oppose. Ochóin, ochóin agus ochóin.

This budget is about ensuring that what we have to spend and, to be honest, what we have to borrow is spent prudently and invested wisely. It is also about making sure that all people in all sectors of society who contribute - and we must make work pay - benefit from this budget.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh is living and operating in a time warp. He should come into the real world.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tell that to the people on hospital trolleys in Galway. Tell that to the people in mortgage distress.

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Fine Gael)
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Sinn Féin has no solutions.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Bacik spoke about this budget lacking ambition. Can I remind her about the 2 million people at work, representing a drop of 7.9% in unemployment from the height at the peak of our economic distress. The ambition is to lift the lives of all our citizens, whether they are working in a factory in Cork, living on the Border in Cavan or Monaghan or out in the heart of Connemara. The aim is to ensure that all people benefit.

It is important, no matter what one's political view, to protect our country, economy and people. As Deputy Michael Noonan said in his speech today, we cannot go back to the old days. We cannot have a "Late Late Show" approach where we give everything away to everybody. We cannot do that. We did it in the past -----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The Government measures will put up the cost of housing. They will keep people out of the housing market and exacerbate the homeless situation.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow the Leader, please.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I will address that now. This Government has unveiled the biggest housing plan in the history of the State, announced by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, and supported by the Minister for Finance in the budget.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Where are the houses?

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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As Senator Ó Clochartaigh knows quite well, because he is a smart man, supply is critical.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Fine Gael has had six years to address it.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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One cannot have people in houses unless one incentivises the market to have people to build and people to buy. If the Senator speaks to those in the construction sector, they will tell him that supply is the big and fundamental difficulty.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We should be building social houses.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The Senator has not listened to anything in today's budget. He has opposed everything and continues to do so.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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First-time buyers, as we all are aware, are experiencing difficulties in accessing finance. I wish we could do everything for everybody but the Government must prioritise. Home ownership is a good thing, as is the ability to supply housing - be it social housing or otherwise. Enabling people to have their own homes and to put a roof over their heads is the aspiration and objective - in so far as we can bridge the affordability gap - of all of us on this side of the House. The new help to buy scheme for first-time purchasers will incentivise the market.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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It will lead to an increase in house prices.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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In addition, a home renovation scheme will be available.

Senator Conway-Walsh will have an opportunity to raise the point she made when we debate the budget later. Moreover, we will have the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the House on 18 October.

Senator Craughwell raised the very important issue of conditions for members of the Defence Forces. He may be aware that the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, held its annual general meeting in Cork last week. I will arrange a debate with the Minister on the issues the Senator raised.

There is an increased provision for mental health services in the budget that reflects the Government's commitment to the reform of the sector and the delivery of A Vision for Change. I participated in a spoken event in Cork last Friday in advance of this week's Mental Health Week. It is an issue we must keep to the fore. Encouraging people with mental health difficulties to engage with others is very important, as represented by the hashtag #it'sgoodtotalk.

Senator Clifford-Lee referred to the provision of child care, an issue we will discuss with the Minister, Deputy Zappone, in the House on 18 October.

I cannot accept Senator Devine's amendment to the Order of Business because the Minister for Finance, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister of State at the Department of Finance will be in the other House today. We have no responsibility in regard to the passing of the budget, although Ministers will come in to discuss its provisions with us. I would be happy to have a rolling debate on the budget, if we can, beginning with this evening's discussion. Moreover, we will have continuing discussions on the budget proposals by way of the debates on the social welfare bill and the finance Bill. There will be ample opportunity to discuss today's proposals as we move forward.

I welcome Senator Paul Coghlan's remarks on Killarney House and its majestic grounds.

Senator David Norris raised an important point regarding funding for postgraduate studies. As an educator, I agree that the postgraduate sector and beyond should be prioritised. I hope the Minister for Education and Skills will come to the House to discuss what is an expansive education budget. The Minister demonstrated in this House last week in his statement on the action plan for education that he has a vision for education in this country and a commitment to deliver it.

Senator Colm Burke welcomed the increase in the budget for the delivery of health services.

Senators Ó Donnghaile and Wilson raised the issue of the impact of Brexit on the Border region. As Members know, this House is engaged in a rolling debate on Brexit. The Taoiseach has led the Government's post-Brexit response, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, and other Ministers are engaging with their counterparts in the British Government. North-South engagement is equally important. Watching the news coverage last Saturday of the demonstration Senator Ó Donnghaile attended, one could not but be impressed by the manner in which the protest was conducted and by the extent of the impact on the daily lives of citizens on this island if a hard border is reinstated. None of us in this House wants to see a return of a hard border, as we discussed last week in the aftermath of the Conservative Party conference. We will continue to address that issue in the House.

Senator McFadden referred to delays in issuing military passports to members of the Defence Forces. I am happy to raise that matter with the Department. She also raised an issue regarding a building project for a school in her constituency. I am not familiar with how those lists are compiled but I will take it up with the relevant Minister.

Senator Paul Daly referred to funding for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss this and other issues. I join the Senator in welcoming the restoration of the allocation of €211 million for that scheme.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to cúrsaí Gaeltachta. Níl gach freagra agam. Mar sin féin, tá a fhios agam go mbeidh a €2.25 million increase in the capital allocation for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Roinn na Gaeltachta.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The figure is €2.25 million, I am told, for support schemes in Údarás na Gaeltachta. A €2.4 million grant for capital works for 2016 has been announced, along with works for Inis Oírr last week. There is a commitment by Government.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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There has been a 9% cut.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow the Leader to respond. There are delays in the budget for two hours or three hours.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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There is a commitment by Government. Senator Ó Clochartaigh is wrong to say there is no interest in the Irish language on this side of the House. I very much regret that I could not have this debate with Senator Ó Clochartaigh as Gaeilge but I will try, as he knows. The Minister is committed to coming to House.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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He is willing to come to the House.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Senator Buttimer has been saying that for months.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Allow the Leader to respond. Senator Ó Clochartaigh, you keep interrupting.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I have explained it to Senator Ó Clochartaigh on numerous occasions.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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He is running scared.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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He is not running scared. The only person who is scared here is Senator Ó Clochartaigh because this country is going well and he does not want it to go well.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Please speak through the Chair.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Reilly raised an issue relating to the budget, as did Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor. Senator Murnane O'Connor made a point on payments and the timeline. The Minister has said that the reason it applies from now is to allow for more people to be included in the improvement. Senator Murnane O'Connor is probably young enough not to remember it, but-----

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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I will accept that.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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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.