Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

Go raibh maith agat don deis a labhairt ar an ábhar seo. On 7 May 2008, some months before his untimely, death my predecessor, the late Deputy Tony Gregory, spoke on the nomination of Deputy Brian Cowen as Taoiseach. On that occasion, he offered his good wishes to Deputy Cowen while also saying he would not be voting for him. He stated he hoped Deputy Cowen would see the justice in taking steps to end the divisive inequalities that exist in Ireland today, in particular in our health service and education and housing sectors. He continued that it was his view that the increasing social inequalities of recent years was the major issue facing all of us elected to the Dáil by the people.

In regard to this motion of confidence in the Taoiseach, I bear those words in mind and ask if justice is being served by this Government under the stewardship of the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, in the areas of health, education and housing and how much is being done to lessen, never mind completely reduce, social inequality. The positive steps that have been taken are the appointment of real experts, Mr. Patrick Honohan, Mr. Matthew Elderfield, Mr. Regling and Mr. Watson who believe in truth, honesty, transparency and accountability, qualities which sadly have been lacking. It is the lack of those qualities that have been the hallmark of successive Governments.

I welcome the Taoiseach's statement in his speech that he will continue with examination, analysis and reflection leading to full and fair assessments. Another positive is the full acceptance of the Taoiseach of responsibility for his decisions as Minister for Finance and Taoiseach. I welcome the acknowledgement of the mistakes in management of banks' excessive risk taking, inadequate financial regulatory controls, property tax incentives that should have been abolished many years before and acknowledgement of failures of corporate governance. However, I note that not once are the words "greed and self interest" used.

"A turning point in our economy" is a phrase that has become somewhat hackneyed at this stage. We may have turned a certain corner statistically - the Taoiseach referred in this regard to a recent OECD outlook - but on the ground in terms of homes, workplaces, community, youth and drugs projects, schools and hospitals we have not turned that corner to optimism. My difficulties lie with the continued propping up of the institutions that have failed this country so drastically owing to those institutions being led by men motivated by greed and self interest and supported by their political friends. Has one developer, banker or board member of those institutions in any way suffered let alone faced appreciable penalties or a prison term? It was gratifying to see the recent apprehension of drug barons, men who brought so much devastation to communities in Ireland. Another group of men involved in banks, financial institutions, property development and speculation have brought equal if not more devastation to our country. I accept the need for due process but these men had no regard for due process. How can I have confidence in a Government and a Taoiseach who leaves this unpunished?

Those suffering today because of this recklessness are hardworking families, people who have worked all their lives and are now jobless and young people. I recently visited a school in my constituency and met with the leaving certificate class of 2010. I was struck by their lack of possibilities and how difficult it will be for them to realise their career dreams in this country. Again, it is the vulnerable and poor who are being penalised with cuts in individual allowances, local services, regeneration housing and integrated primary community care. Funding for community swimming pools has been withdrawn and there have been cuts in respite, special needs and learning support. There is no replacement in schools for posts of responsibility. There are cuts in health services and there are not enough places in education and training for the unemployed. Homelessness has increased. What will happen to our commitment to overseas aid?

I wonder if anything has been gained from this debate or from the various activities of other parties during the past two days. I recently received a letter from a constituent who stated she feels helpless, disenfranchised and a victim of other people's greed and laziness. There are too many examples of increasing social inequality to enable me to support this motion of confidence in the Taoiseach.

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