Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording Independent Deputies the opportunity to contribute to this important debate.

For me, this matter is not about personalities and I do not engage in personal attacks. This debate relates to being straight and honest with people. When someone messes up, he or she must take responsibility, accept the consequences, apologise and make amends. It is only then that we can try to move on. Sadly, such an approach has been lacking in recent weeks. The use of terms such as "I regret" or "I take full responsibility" does not go down well with me or the rest of our people. This is where we are in terms of this debate during a time of economic crisis. People do not mind taking hits provided they are fair and just. I will put all of this into perspective by highlighting two cases brought to my attention last week at the my constituency clinic. The first involves a young man with a severe disability who had to go into hospital and is now ready to be released but has been told by his disability service that they cannot take him back because they are one staff member short. The question that arises from this debate is about the vulnerable. The second case brought to my attention relates to a young disabled man whose five day service with the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf has been cut to three days. What is going on? I brought this to the attention of the Minister and the Health Service Executive but nothing has happened. For this reason, I have no confidence in this Government. This is the reality for many people on the ground. It is about credibility, competence and confidence. I might add that I do not necessarily have confidence in some of the other parties who cannot make up their minds on particular issues and do not know where they stand on these matters.

I have in the past made some unpopular decisions in regard to banking but I did so in the national interest.

See this speech in context