Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak on this major debate on delivering economic renewal and securing our public finances. I thank the Ceann Comhairle and his office for listening to the concerns of Independent Deputies with regard to speaking rights in the Dáil. I commend his efforts in asserting his authority in the Dáil and protecting the rights of the Independent Deputies elected to the Oireachtas. Inclusive politics always works and it is a marker for the future.

It is a pity Deputy Thomas Byrne is not in the House because I have always stated that I will support any sensible policy which will get the country out of this economic mess. This is not a time for playing party politics. We have a global situation as well as a local one, particularly with regard to banking. All Members of the Oireachtas have a national and civic duty to put their country first. We must put on the jersey, give our views and our best ideas, roll up our sleeves and get on with it. This is how I see my role as an Independent Member of this House.

It is time for patriotism and tough decisions in the national interest. However, tough decisions and patriotism do not include hammering senior citizens, the disabled, the sick and young children. We could have 120,000 more job losses by 2010. National income could fall by 10% in the same period while the tax deficit will soar to €8 billion this year and will rise further in 2010. We must ensure also that Exchequer borrowing falls below 3% by 2013. This is the economic reality and it is not good enough to come in to this House and whinge and moan.

I will support and propose the following ideas to resolve this issue. An employer PRSI exemption should apply to businesses which take on extra staff in 2009. We should introduce a freeze on commercial rates and other State charges for small businesses. Recently, Dublin City Council blinked on this issue. We should seriously consider making a major investment in training schemes for the unemployed. We should also provide a guarantee that during the recession nobody will lose his or her home. I welcome some of the proposals from the Department of Finance and sections of the financial industry. A temporary cut in VAT would boost incomes and shift the expectation of a fall in prices. We can also provide additional investment in building projects such as schools and urban regeneration, which has the potential to increase employment. We could provide incentives to kick start an industry worth maybe €25 billion, insulating homes. We should be brave and consider renationalising the telecommunications network. We should go for that.

I offer those ideas to show that Independent Deputies do not whinge. We may take stands but we also provide options. I have three sensible proposals in the construction industry. The national centre for the visually impaired in Drumcondra has a proposal for a €30 million project to develop services. This would be a good investment with local advantages and provide jobs. I understand that the Minister for Education and Science, and the Department are open to this. Belgrove national school in Clontarf needs major renovation. I strongly support the idea of creating a national team of economic experts who would meet to solve this problem. I always supported the 10% cut in Members' salaries but would also cut 50% of our junior Ministries.

People have walked away from the tax debate. We must accept that during the days of the Celtic tiger we did not broaden the tax base sufficiently.

I strongly defend the public sector. It did not cause the economic crisis yet every day in the newspapers the public sector is hammered. The PAYE workers have done a great deal of work for the past 11 years yet they are being blamed.

I welcome the fact that the partnership talks are going well because that assists the country in a bad time. The Government must think of the unemployed and the weak sections of society, roll up its sleeves and get on with the job.

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