Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Had the Government any sense of connection with the raw events on the streets, where retail sales have fallen by up to 40% and people are in crisis every day of the week, it would realise this House must be seen to be working.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, to delete "27 January" and replace it with "7 January", and that we return to deal with the amendment to the legislation on the use or otherwise of money from the National Pensions Reserve Fund and get on with business. The Minister for Finance faces a series of challenges encountered by none of his predecessors and in that sense, Fine Gael Members will stand by their country and economy. However, this House must be seen to be putting its shoulder to wheel in the interests of the people and the country.

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