Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is all right, a Cheann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle should not get upset. I am quite enjoying the fact that the Labour Party has not been so upset for 20 years. There is no arguing with my party's clear achievements in ensuring that economic prosperity is more equitably spread throughout our communities. This Government has done much more than any other on pensions and social welfare, tackling unemployment and disadvantage, investing in health and education and committing resources to marginalised communities and the disability sector. The Government has done more than any comprised of the Labour Party or Democratic Left for that matter. Deputy Rabbitte referred to a number of these issues earlier.

The Government has made no cutbacks in social welfare this year, rather it spent more than €100 million extra. Deputy Rabbitte criticised the Government's record on tackling unemployment even though The Economist reports this week that Ireland comes out best of more than 100 countries in respect of unemployment and taxation. Most centre left, left or "commie" parties in Europe would be very pleased to have our economic statistics and when they meet Deputy Rabbitte to talk about the socialist republic, they ask him how we do it.

Deputy Rabbitte criticised the Government for doing nothing for people with disabilities, yet it is spending €2.5 billion. When Deputy Rabbitte's party last held the Finance portfolio, its gave just €500,000 in the budget.

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