Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy, in response to his introductory remarks, that I am not suggesting I run this House other than by the authority of the Dáil. When I was arguing my case in response to Deputy Kenny, I made the point that I have a responsibility to do this job as I believe it should be done, for as long as I hold it. That is a prerequisite for, and the prerogative of, anybody who holds this position. It was in that sense, and in no other sense, that I said what I had to say. I am as committed a democrat as anyone else. I am a part of the democratic life of this country, just like anyone else. I have had the privilege and honour of representing my constituency for many years as a result. We do not part the waves on that particular point.

I will have to get more details before I can respond fully to Deputy Gilmore. However, I can tell him that it is estimated that for every 100,000 people who are unemployed, revenues of approximately €1 billion need to be devoted to the social welfare Vote alone.

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