James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am glad there is such mirth on the other side of the House. They obviously look forward to their break of three months. They do not have much time or regard for the 452,000 people who have no job and will get no respite or break from the mistakes of this Government. They do not have regard for the people who have no respite care for the summer or the rest of the year. Galway might have been given a reprieve but the people of Limerick, Dublin and elsewhere will get none. These are the people we are supposed to serve. However, this Government has become increasingly self-serving. We are facing an economic crisis with rising unemployment. If this House were a company, it would be laughed out of court for taking holidays at such a time. The people are outraged and aghast at what is happening. They cannot fathom how the House can be so detached from the realities of the lives of ordinary people.

We utterly oppose this recession, or should I say recess.

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