Budget time allocation motion
Senator Máire Devine formally proposed extending the budget debate to three hours and then criticised the budget's health allocation and lack of clarity. The Chair confirmed the proposal was being taken as an amendment.
I propose extending the time allowed for the debate on the budget to three hours. It seems this House is undermined a good deal. We have been given two hours, yet there are hours for it in the Dáil. I would like the Leader to accept that proposal.
Comment on this
To clarify, is the Senator formally proposing an amendment to the Order of Business?
Comment on this
I found the budget quite bare and sketchy. I was looking at the health service, in particular. A figure of €35 million is being talked about. We know that this sum 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 aspects 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, last week Fine Gael saw fit to vote down the Private Members' Bill which sought to provide for a 24-hour, seven day a week service. 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.