Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I wish to continue, if I am allowed. At times Fine Gael Members are fascinating. They have no plan. They say what we do wrong, but never indicate what they would do if they got into office. That would expose them in a very meaningful way.

I agree with Deputy McGinley concerning any possible fiscal stimulus in this package. I made a strong plea at our parliamentary party meeting last Monday, as I do now, for extra money to be given to the Department of Education and Science so that repairs to primary and secondary schools can be put in train. In a rural environment, when one sees a big sign for a new school, with the builder's name and men at work, one knows that it is good. It means that local children will get a new school, parents will be satisfied and men and women are at work.

Equally, there is need for a streamlined comprehensive and understandable scheme for eco-improvements to houses, whether it is solar panels or whatever, to enable skilled people to be employed in such work, leading to a cheaper heating environment for people. I fully agree with Deputy McGinley that it is a pity not to use such resources. The package to be concluded with the social partners will enable these matters to be dealt with. We are lucky that we have a Taoiseach of the strength of character——

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