Obviously, the budget has dominated the Order of Business. I listened to the entire debate on the budget and sat in for the last 45 minutes. There were two more speakers offering at that stage who did not get in. In saying that, we have had pre-budget debates which we have not had in previous years. No less time than ever has been allowed this year on statements on the budget but I am sure we will have ample opportunity to discuss the various aspects of the budget in the next few weeks.

The Leader of the Opposition specifically mentioned the respite care grant being reduced to €13.75. Unfortunately it had to be reduced to the 2006 level in the boom years. However, carer's benefit has not been affected. Carers can have their social welfare payment in addition to half the carer's allowance. There are many areas that have not been affected. Every Government would like to say there would be no cuts. We are not living in the boom years when Fianna Fáil was in office when all the money was squandered.

Correct.

The Leader to continue, without interruption, please.

That is why we are forced to have difficult budgets. I am looking at Fianna Fáil's pre-budget announcement. It is as vague as Fianna Fáil was when in government in relation to policies.

It is a good document and has been costed.

Santa's document.

Let me give two specific examples. Fianna Fáil proposes to save €350 million through non-pay savings under the Croke Park agreement and €200 million through control and activation measures in social protection. There are no details on where the €500 million will come from.

Obviously, the Senator did not read the full document.

Did he read it?

I presume it is the rising tide lifting all boats and Fianna Fáil sunk them all afterwards. We will leave the budget aside.

I will give the Leader a copy of the document.

We will have ample opportunity to discuss the many issues Members have raised on the budget. They have asked that the Minister for Social Protection come to the House. The social welfare Bill will probably come before the House next week when there will be ample time to discuss it.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of Palestine having observer status at the United Nations and the fact that Ireland fully supported that move. That is to be commended and Members will welcome it.

Senators Sean D. Barrett and Feargal Quinn outlined the dreadful situation where the office of Mr. Stewart Dickson of the Alliance Party was set on fire last evening. We all sympathise with Mr. Dickson on that dreadful event and pay tribute to the Alliance Party which has been the voice of reason in the North for many years. As we all empathise with him, I will relay the sentiments of the House to Mr. Dickson.

Senator Michael Mullins drew attention to the below-cost selling of alcohol and expressed disappointment that the issue had not been addressed in the budget. I am sure that matter will be addressed, if it can be addressed, in the near future.

We will have debates on it in the new year.

Senator MacSharry called on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to come to the House. As I outlined on Tuesday, she will be in the House in early January for more than two and a half hours to debate children's issues. The Finance Bill will not have been passed by then. The Minister will be present. The Senator is hoarse and quiet. I listened to him last night and it was one his best performances.

I thank the Leader.

He would have got another gold medal for his dramatic performance last night. It is no wonder he is so hoarse this morning.

Senator Kelly correctly highlighted the fuel rebate for the haulage sector, which is welcome. I know of no one who has not welcomed this measure in the budget. It is important to the entire transport sector.

I refer to Senator Cullinane's comments. There were cuts in many areas in the budget, which we would not like to make in normal times but these are not normal times and the Government was elected to sort out the fiscal problems of the country. We will do that and go confidently to the people and ask them for a mandate for the future. The Government will be in office for five years. We have done a great deal of the heavy lifting and, in the next few years, will achieve growth in the economy and secure a deal on our debt. This country will prosper, despite the reservations of others, including Opposition Members, who do not want the country to prosper and the Government to succeed.

We all want the country to prosper.

We will stand by the country and do what is right for it at all times.

Senator Healy Eames requested a debate on the property tax. I am sure we will have a further debate on it in early course. With regard to the expert group on abortion report, if Members read the Order of Business, they will be aware that time will be provided for a debate later. The debate will be resumed if speakers are offering. The Minister will not reply today if we have sufficient speakers but, if not, he will reply and the debate-----

What about going up to see Hillary Clinton?

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

If Members wish to go and see Hillary Clinton rather than attend to their duties in the House, they are welcome to do so.

She is an inspirational leader.

What about American-Irish relations?

Members should listen to the Order of Business and they would know the position on the debate.

What can I say in response to Senator Leyden? Fianna Fáil took the shirts off people's backs and bankrupted the country. There is not much more to add.

Senator O'Keeffe asked for a debate on the establishment of an energy efficiency fund. Perhaps we will do so in the new year.

Senator Mooney urged people to support Irish produce, particularly milk. I also note the point made by Senator Quinn on that matter.

I acknowledge Senator Mooney's comments on the issue of respecting the Chair. It is important that Members read Standing Orders and understand their duties. When the Chair stands, Members should sit. I never witnessed this previously. It has only crept in in recent times. No matter how exercised or excited a Member was in the past, he or she sat down and respected the Chair. I hope that will be the practice in the House in the future.

Senator Hayden welcomed the fact that rent supplement was not affected and raised the issue of the funding of local authorities. On Tuesday, I outlined the date on which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would be in the House in January to discuss this issue.

Senator Wilson raised the issue of the policing plan. The Minister for Justice and Equality has been in the House more regularly than any other Minister. He was here last night and will be present again next week. With regard to Garda transport, hundreds of new cars have been ordered, as I outlined a few weeks ago, to replace those that are not up to scratch.

There will be nobody to drive them.

I am sure I can arrange a debate with the Minister on the closure of barracks and so on.

Senator Conway referred to the visit of Hillary Clinton, which everyone welcomes. The Clintons have been good friends to Ireland and will continue to be.

Senator Colm Burke raised an issue he mentioned a few months ago about the number of people failing to turn up for outpatient appointments. The position in this regard should be improved to provide for more efficiency in the system. There are 17,000 appointments in one hospital, 18,000 in Waterford Regional Hospital and so on. If the people concerned are preventing others on the waiting lists from securing an appointment, it should be highlighted because it is an important issue.

Senator White commented on the budget provision relating to prescription charges. The monthly cap will be €19.50 for an individual or family. She also mentioned the Minister of State with responsibility for older people. Perhaps the Senator might succeed her.

I thank the Leader; I would be delighted.

That will not happen under Fine Gael but it might happen under Fianna Fáil.

Senator Sheahan made an important point about special areas of conversation and the impact of drilling for oil in the Porcupine Basin and other areas. I am sure the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be willing to come to the House for a debate on this issue and I will try to arrange such a debate early in the new year.

Naturally, I do not propose to accept the two amendments proposed to the Order of Business.