Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

On the confidence issue, people believe they should not spend money. Bank savings are at an all time high. People are also keeping money under their mattresses and in boxes. Small amounts of money when spent can have a major impact in terms of assisting retailers, job retention, VAT receipts for Government and so on. We need to send out the message that it is okay for people to spend 5% of their income. There are people who are suggesting we should not do so. I am not suggesting we return to the wild days of the Celtic tiger. However, there is nothing wrong with people changing their car or renovating their homes.

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