Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This Bill is being brought forward for one purpose, namely, to provide a stimulus to this economy by means of the mechanism we have devised. Making populist statements about it or misrepresenting it does not help anybody but if that is what the Deputy wishes to convey, I cannot dictate that.

Since last April the Minister for Finance has been very clear about putting forward this proposition and, as late as August, he made available to the Deputy an invitation to discuss these matters with his advisers and anyone else the Deputy wished within the Department. That offer was not taken up and that is a matter for the Deputy. The issue before the House is that we must take action now to bring forward this proposal. When we commence the Second Stage debate, we can hear what ideas are in this House but we put forward this proposal following due consideration and careful analysis, having sought advice both domestically and internationally and with the support of institutions that will provide funds for this mechanism in line with guidelines set out at EU level. This is a considered proposal by Government. It is being brought forward for the reason of confronting the challenge that faces us today and not for any fearful reason.

By bringing forward this proposal, we are giving an opportunity to Members to make their proposals and statements and we will put our position. We have had a view which, when I mentioned it earlier was regarded as patronising, but which is genuine. The Government has been open and has set out its preparedness since it drafted the Bill and put it before everyone because of its complexity, importance and urgency to listen any views people have, to discuss them and to see how they wish to proceed. However, we have to do it in a way we believe has the best prospect of success.

The motivation behind the legislation on the part of the Government has continually been characterised in a very negative way by Opposition Members for their own reasons and I cannot dictate those reasons. I assure them that the motivation for bringing forward this proposal is to achieve the common good and to bring a stimulus to the economy in a responsible way and in a way which has the support of important institutions that are vital to making it work. That is our sole motivation and, rather than perhaps characterising it any other way, let us get on with the business now. There is a proposition before the House for discussion. Let us have a debate and meet, as the Deputy said, the concerns of the people, which are about moving forward, dealing with the issue and not continuing with paralysis by analysis. This is a considered proposal by Government, which is about to be brought before the House. Let us get on with the debate.

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