Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Tonight we are dealing with only one part of the overall budget package which has been pinpointed in a negative context, and that is understandable. While the anger on the issue is understandable, we must consider the budget as a whole, which is what I appeal to the House to do. I ask the Opposition to look at the budget objectively given that we all have the same overall goal of bringing our country back to a state of steady economic success.

On the matter of the second-highest paid public servants, which we are addressing today, we must keep in mind that in 2009 when this so-called performance-related pay or unjustified bonus as it has been more correctly described - which I must say I believe was a scandal - was eliminated, these people took a pay cut above and beyond what other people in the public service were asked to do. These individuals now have a major responsibility to drive reform in the civil and public service. That is a message that needs to go out loud and clear from here tonight.

In comparison to other countries, this country under the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and the Taoiseach has handled the economic crisis with a determined attitude. We have been prepared to make the necessary sacrifices that others were not. It must be said that this was in the face of consistent opposition from the Opposition. Sacrifices have been made across the board, particularly by the unemployed. Greece has already been forced into a bailout, whereas we have held strong and avoided this measure. The public disorder predicted by many for this nation has happened in Greece. The leadership and sacrifice from the top down has prevented that from happening here. People were crying out for leadership. When they see what is happening in Greece this week, they know that this party has provided that leadership here in the past year. That is a fair judgment and assessment to make.

Cuts have been made across the board in an attempt to regain financial stability in this nation. For those who do not accept that the cuts are hitting the highest paid hardest, the facts are that secretaries general have lost, I believe, 33%. Assistant secretaries, when this so-called bonus is included, have lost a quarter. While we do not like cutting anybody's pay, clerical officers have lost 8%. The percentages have been much less lower down the scale and have been greater higher up the scale. No one wants to do this; we all hate doing this. However, thanks to the leadership offered by this party in government, the comparisons to Iceland and Greece made by some in our nearest neighbour have fallen off the radar.

Recently we have seen the anger over financial decisions that had to be made. I completely relate to this and have dealt with it head-on in my constituency. However, we must look at the figures, including those relating to consumer confidence. One aim of the budget was to restore consumer confidence and the latest ERSI report indicated that consumer confidence is at its highest rate since January 2008. That is very important and the Opposition has a role to play in encouraging that consumer confidence because we need to get people to spend and we need to get the saving rate down from the very high rate at which it has been.

All the decisions of the budget have been part of a long-term plan to bring the country out of debt. It is a plan that requires sacrifices and patience. It is filled with difficult decisions some of which are popular and some of which are unpopular. Most importantly it is a plan that has worked thus far in comparison to other countries. I am happy to say I support every aspect of the budget because I support the overall plan of which these changes are an intricate part. I support the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and respect him for the decisions he has had to make. I trust he is doing what is best for the country based on what he has done already and on what he has yet to do.

I wish the Taoiseach well as he goes to Brussels tomorrow to extend the hand of friendship, example and leadership to the birthplace of democracy in its hour of need. In short, this is a vote of confidence in the two Brians and I am full-square behind them.

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