Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, the Fine Gael Party put forward a series of proposals to deal with the regulatory authorities and financial institutions in a constructive fashion and spirit of bipartisanship. I was disappointed but not surprised at the reaction of the Government. Be that as it may, the reputation of the country is at rock bottom and our international credibility is in shreds. This will not change unless decisive Government action is taken, which will not be easy for anybody given a deficit of €20 billion and increasing negative growth.

This morning, the Tánaiste, who is deputy leader of the Government and a senior economics Minister, said it is important not to talk ourselves into a deeper crisis. It is equally important that we do not talk ourselves into fantasy land. I listened in some astonishment to her engage in a wilful example of self-denial about the true state of the economy. She said Ministers, including, I presume, Ministers of State, are working very hard to save every cent. She said the decision on saving €2 billion had been taken, that was it for this year and we will move on to collecting €4 billion next year. She also said the pension levy was fair, equitable and not selective, there was no need for further cutbacks this year and the public finances were under control. As Head of Government, does the Taoiseach accept that the Tánaiste was speaking on his and his Government's behalf? Does he also accept that the public finances are under control?

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