John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad of the opportunity to make a contribution to this Private Members' motion on the unfair, reactive rather than proactive and indecisive way this Government has dealt with the economic crisis that has befallen this country. I commend Deputy Bruton on bringing the motion before the House and for the consistent approach he has taken during good times and bad, always being constructive in his analysis. Only in recent times do people really appreciate how well he was aware of the warning signals in our economy when the Government continued to be in denial.

A number of key issues have been at play over the last number of weeks for people on the streets of this country when the financial crisis stares them in the face when they get out of bed, if they are lucky enough to have a job to go to. They look to our Government and bankers for the leadership and action to deal with the issues in a proactive and competent manner. If this had happened it would have sent out a signal that would have given confidence across the board. If the actions taken are seen to have a positive effect and be fair, the confidence that brings becomes part of the solution. There is a self-fulfilling prophecy that whether we think we can or cannot, we are right. If that action is not taken, and if nobody seems to be taking responsibility or is made accountable for the irresponsible behaviour that has led us to where we are, people lose confidence and get angry.

People are crying out to be constructive if they see fair and firm remedies being implemented. This motion is an attempt to bring that fairness and equity to the pension levy proposals and to make people accountable for the mismanagement and lack of regulation in the Irish banking system. Regarding the unfairness of the pension levy, we were told since these proposals were introduced that they would or could be tweaked as they were debated and brought through this House. We have seen no evidence of that. By the introduction of this levy the Government will encourage people on low incomes to give up their jobs and go on social welfare and encourage people who are near full service to retire to avoid the levy. The latter effect on the Garda could have major knock-on effects where there are many retirements at one end, of which I am hearing in my constituency, with the slowing down of recruitment at the other end.

Another effect of the crisis and how it is being dealt with is that the Government has set the public and private sector workers at each other's throats. In that kind of war there will be no winners. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have consistently come into this House and asked for a unified approach to deal with the problems, and yet the measures the Minister introduces will do anything but that. Where is the fairness in 17,000 farmers getting letters from their bank managers about the money they owe but not being able to get the grants they were pledged many months ago? Small businesses and employers cannot get credit facilities from the banks to keep their doors open or to stay in business. It brings to mind the saying, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned."

When we have an unprecedented crisis people need to be told the truth. I firmly believe that if they were in possession of the facts they would rise to the occasion and if that burden was seen to be spread in an equitable and fair manner, then the Irish public would not be found wanting. I commend the motion to the House.

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