Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

In five or ten years' time, people will understand why we did this and will respect us for framing this very unpopular budget. In 2009, national expenditure will exceed revenue by €4.7 billion. This is more than €1,000 for every man, woman and child in this country. Finally, if we return to the days of crazy budgetary management, what will our children think of how we performed as legislators at this time? Should we have taken the easy option or the tough unpopular ones? The Minister has explicitly stated that when the current financial situation improves, the Government will re-examine the early retirement and installation aid schemes — and I intend working with my colleague to ensure that pledge is honoured.

See this speech in context