Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The members of that coalition knocked at the door of the subsequent Government, led by the then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and the then Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, time out of number to ensure that situation prevailed. Deputy Kenny was a beneficiary of that decision. Our party's generosity consistently to this nation, its people and this Parliament was always honoured in the breach and never just for mere opportunity. It was honoured in the interests of a totality of consensus on what was best for the common good and to retain people in public office. Deputy Gilmore was also a beneficiary of that decision.

We had the hypocrisy of Members opposite coming in here and making a statement last year that they would give away 5% of their salaries, reduce their salaries by 5% and leave that money to the Exchequer, but as soon as the Government took a decision, it did not take too long for Deputy Kenny and his colleagues to withdraw the request they had made to have 5% of their salaries donated.

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