Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Gilmore seeks to lecture us again on how we view the situation. I do not regard it as a matter of political patronage. I am elected here on the same basis as the Deputy, perhaps for even longer. To be lectured on those issues is not something I have to consider from him.

With regard to the business the Dáil is conducting, the Government has, uniquely in this House, shown the capacity to take the decisions which have been necessary to ensure we did not find ourselves in the situation in which, unfortunately, some other country has found itself at present. It is because of that coherent response to those sorts of difficulties that we are able to look forward to continuing with these kinds of actions and decisions in the months and years ahead.

Specifically, it is a matter for the House to decide these matters; it is not a matter for Government. If matters are moved, they will be voted on in that way.

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