Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I object to this Order of Business. The Government intends to make an announcement today on Building Ireland's Smart Economy. It is smart and contemptuous treatment of this House. After our calling for debates on the recapitalisation programme for the banks, agreement was reached on the holding of a short debate on the matter in the House today, yet at the same time, the Government decided to launch in Dublin Castle its framework for economic recovery — Building Ireland's Smart Economy. This business should be set aside. These two issues are interdependent. There cannot be a banking system unless there is an economy that works, and vice versa. The Tánaiste should know this better than most. It is contemptuous treatment of the House that the Government should go to Dublin Castle today after briefing the social partners at 12 noon——

See this speech in context