Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

In the real world people are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. They are facing negative equity and are unable to repay their mortgages. Parents of children with disabilities are being told by agencies that there is no service for them. That is the reality we have to face. We need and deserve a serious strategy from the Government that addresses the required changes. Where, for instance, is the reform in budgetary strategy that would see an emphasis on scrutiny and an evaluation of value for money? It is not there. Where is the new approach to cut out layers of administration which have dogged the public service for years? There is no such approach. Where are the new mechanisms to reward innovation and success in the public service? There is none.

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