Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We were the first party to put forward the view that it was necessary to freeze the national pay deal. We put forward the view that there should be a recapitalisation programme for the banks. If the Taoiseach is interested in constructive suggestions, then I will give him some. His members have been talking out of the side of their mouths about national consensus and a national Government. We have an interest in the way this country moves. We have an interest in protecting the country and in seeing that confidence is restored to our economy. I have some suggestions that do not represent all the answers to the Government's problems, but if the Taoiseach is looking for consensus, will he support a reversal of the outrageous VAT increase that has cost jobs all over the country and led to an outflow to Northern Ireland? Is he prepared to abolish PRSI for employers who take on new employees in 2009? Is he prepared to give a tax exemption for companies that involve themselves in research and new product development? Is he prepared to freeze Government charges and rates, so that some confidence will be restored to small businesses and small enterprises?

I do not make these suggestions purely from a partisan party point of view, but as constructive suggestions in the interest of retaining and creating jobs. If the Taoiseach wants consensus and support, I have just given him four suggestions today. I will return to the banks at another time. These suggestions would help the Government to put some semblance of economic sanity to the floundering it has been at for the last six weeks.

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