Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not blaming Deputy Billy Kelleher personally, which would not be fair because he was not fully responsible. The people accepted the option put forward by the then Government and made a wrong decision because they were given wrong information. The information they were given at the time was wrong. It has not been easy for the people. It is to their eternal credit that they stuck with it. They showed the rest of Europe they could do things that were not expected of them and in a short time. They had the ability to resolve this country's problems with good leadership if given good leadership and shown a good example.

Deputy Billy Kelleher mentioned Ministers squabbling in the course of the budget and in a recent debate. That is a big change. At least the Ministers were engaged and fighting for their Departments as they should be. This is unlike what happened in the past, when Ministers opted out, did nothing, tore their hair, wrung their hands and beat their breasts and brows and did nothing. They let the ship of State slide into the murky waters we found it in.

I congratulate all concerned. I congratulate the civil servants, members of the Opposition who have been encouraging and the Minister and even Deputy Billy Kelleher, who is looking for his social dividend. It will come. There have been great sacrifices and when it comes, I hope the people of the country will be able to enjoy the riches that will flow accruing from the leadership and their sacrifices.

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