Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

My Cabinet and I are working hard and we know we have to get the balance right. We know we have to get us out of this. We are also realistic. This is the here and now and we cannot wish it away. There is no other option. While we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sails and that is what we have done in this supplementary budget. Standing still is not an option in these times. We must act. Leadership is about taking tough decisions when called for.

The economy will recover and the pain will not last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The consensus among forecasters is that the world economy will begin to revive in 2010 bringing a return to growth in Ireland in 2011. That will occur only if we take the hard decisions now, work together over the next few years in particular, fix those things that we can fix and get through this unprecedentedly difficult period. We are committing all of our efforts to this cause. We are determined to lead the country through this. We recognise this requires people to make considerable sacrifices but, no matter how difficult it seems, I ask the people to work with us to ensure we get through this difficult period and to ensure a bright future for ourselves and our children.

I commend the supplementary budget to the House.

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