Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We still have to reduce our indebtedness over time. We must recognise and confront that reality in the best way we possibly can. While acknowledging one is open to criticism when one touches a social welfare rate at any time, the best prospect of maintaining the levels of support the Government built up over the years must be sought. The value of what is being provided for people is €10 ahead in terms of what they were getting in 2007 and the cost of living at that time.

See this speech in context