Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The bottom line is that we are seeking to pursue this matter in the best way possible and in the national interest for the purpose of trying to restore financial stability to the system as soon as possible. As I stated, this is an ongoing challenge.

On the economic issue, the Government has proceeded through its budgets and through raising more than €2 billion from taxation in 2009. Further savings were made in 2008, with full year effect in 2009 and, since then, based on a framework agreed with the social partners, we have announced the need for a €2 billion saving to be identified immediately in the interest of maintaining and upholding credibility with international markets regarding the determination of the Government to seek to start to address the serious problem which has emerged in the public finances. This did not meet with agreement in the House and continues to be opposed.

From the Government's point of view, we would welcome any support that would be forthcoming from the Opposition. However, in respect of every issue we have put to the House, not one has met with unanimous approval.

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