Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I question whether the regeneration of Limerick is under threat. The biggest problem is lack of joined-up thinking and a coherent plan which should be focused on jobs. The Taoiseach is well aware that the ESRI has stated that more than half of our general Government deficit is caused by unemployment. If we are to come out of the recession we must ensure that we retain existing jobs. It is difficult to reconcile the Taoiseach's statement that we have turned the corner when we will have 75,000 extra people on the live register next year. Unemployment in 2010 has been projected to be 13% and 12% in 2011. It is important to be honest and upright with people. The Taoiseach should tell it as it is to ensure that trust is retained. The problem with the budget is that the Taoiseach has done neither.

Young families are travelling the length of this country to go to the North because Pampers and baby food are significantly cheaper there, yet the Government is taking €16 from child benefit. That is the one payment that goes directly and exclusively to the mother and it is used for children's clothing and extra costs. While fathers are also important, mothers are the focal point for child rearing.

The Government has got it wrong. It has not allowed time for proper debate and subverted democracy in this House. We should have had time in the House to go through the budget. If the Taoiseach wants to hear our views he should extend the debate on the budget and allow every Member of the House to have an input to what is probably the most critical budget. Does the budget satisfy the Taoiseach's three tests? Is it fair? No, it is not. Is it necessary? Yes, but because of the Government's mistakes. Will it lead to recovery? Absolutely not, because it gives no proper stimulus in terms of retaining jobs, which is what the budget should have been about. The Government has missed an opportunity.

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