Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Irish people are aware of the serious challenges faced by our country and of what is happening right across the world. This is probably the biggest recession in 80 years. This country has not been immune and in fact it has suffered more than most. Today's budget is another step by this Government - and I hope with sufficient support from the House - to enable us to get on with the business which the people expect us to do, to make the necessary adjustments. I believe the people are ready to take whatever sacrifices are necessary in the interests of the next generation and in the interests of getting this right over the period ahead. They know there is no silver bullet, no immediate answer to some of these questions but we will certainly put forward a strategy in the coming years that will outline how we can bring back order to our public finances as this is fundamental as a pathway to economic recovery. We will also indicate our intended strategy to ensure that the banking system provides us with the necessary financial stability to enable Irish business to get on with protecting as many jobs as it can in the most difficult operating climate for many years.

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