Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We have seen, through the balanced approach taken, the virulent opposition from all sides in respect of every aspect of what the Government must do to bring about that stability, which is a prerequisite for any prospect of recovery. Without it, recovery will be prolonged. If we want quick recovery, we must accept that budgetary stability is an absolute prerequisite. On whether it is comprehensive, "No" is the answer. We have never suggested that budgetary stability on its own is a comprehensive response. As I indicated, we are maintaining, at a time of recession, our capital investment programme to the tune of €8.2 billion in respect of direct Exchequer spend. An additional PPP provision of €800 million will bring us to a spend of €9 billion next year. That is an important contribution by the Government in terms of maintaining economic activity in productive purposes at a time when private sector activity has receded considerably. They are the facts.

On what else the Government can do, we are working to ensure we provide a credit initiative in the banking system.

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