In the three minutes I have to speak it is not possible to comment in detail on any or all of the elements of the budget. However, having listened yesterday to the litany from the Opposition of all the spending measures that were not included in it, I thought it was important to say something about what it was actually about.

To ask the Minister for Finance if the 15% reduction which local authorities are permitted to apply to property taxes collected in their area as a once off event or alternatively if it is envisaged that the 15% reduction can be applied every year, should local authorities so wish; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to providing temporary cover for maternity leave of front line staff in the Health Service Executive's disability sector, particularly in the cases of early intervention services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy for children as the delay without such intervention can have a very negative result on those who rely on such services?

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department have concluded their reflection of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare and the findings of the 2010 Actuarial Review regarding extending social insurance for the self-employed now that our budgetary and fiscal situation has improved; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Health if it is his Department or the Health Service Executive who will carry forward planned proposals to reduce, through mergers, the number of disability service providers; and if he will report on the progress?

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Disability, Martin Conway, has today (Friday) welcomed the publication of the PAC report on the Fixed Charge Processing System, and the commitment by the acting Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to review the recommendations of the report.

Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed today’s announcement by Ericsson that they have signed an €80 million contract with eircom. The new arrangement makes Ericsson the sole vendor for eircom’s radio access solutions for 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution), 3G and 2G mobile technologies across Ireland.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has strongly welcomed the proposed measures to support the farming sector as outlined by the European Agricultural Commissioner elect, Phil Hogan, during his confirmation hearing in Brussels.

Fine Gael TD for Carlow/ Kilkenny, Pat Deering, has welcomed this week’s CSO figures showing that the number of people signing on to the Live Register has fallen almost 10% year on year.

Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has today, welcomed the launch of new animal welfare guidelines for horses at gatherings and sales by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD.