I welcome all the positive vibes coming from Senator Darragh O'Brien in respect of the spring statement.

The Leader is welcome. We must get some substance there.

It is wonderful that GDP is growing strongly-----

There are 5,000 people waiting for procedures.

-----that exports are at historic highs, that employment is expanding and the public finances are in a much healthier position than when the Government took power. I welcome the Senator's positive words in that regard.

The Leader is welcome. He should-----

One could not be but positive because of those results.

-----talk to old people waiting for medical procedures.

I assure the Senator that-----

Talk to the children with no early intervention.

The Leader to respond.

The Senator asked when Members would have a debate. They will have a debate in this House next Wednesday-----

Fantastic.

-----from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the spring statement. I agree with the Senator it is very important that the benefits that will accrue, as a result of the people making sacrifices in recent years and of Government policy, are debated in this House.

I can assure Senators that we will have that debate. In regard to the Senator's reference to Ministers being very cosy with each other, it is important that Ministers get on.

They get on very well.

This Government has proven not to be a temporary little arrangement. When Fianna Fáil was in government-----

This Government is hanging on by its fingernails.

-----it viewed all of its partnerships as temporary little arrangements.

Wait until after the next election.

Fianna Fáil will be waiting a while to find another partner.

Fine Gael might have to talk to Deputy Michael Lowry and another batch of Independents.

Senators are bordering on the unruly. Please allow the Leader to respond, without interruption.

The Leader is goading me.

Senator O'Brien has had his opportunity to speak.