Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The banking situation is of critical importance. This is not about bailing out banks. We are trying to address the impaired balance sheets of the banks so they can access credit and capital, lend it to small and medium-sized businesses and ensure it flows into the broader economy. That is a critical part of the Government's job creation strategies. We need to have a functioning banking system that supports small and medium-sized businesses, lends to individuals, supports the purchase of homes and cars. Confidence is needed if such an increase in consumer spending is to happen.

As someone who has travelled the world to try to promote this country in as positive a manner as possible, I emphasise that some of the negative commentary from people in this Chamber - it is incessant from some quarters - is undermining this country's hope of turning a difficult corner. I can genuinely say that I have more at stake as a father of young children than I ever will as a Minister of State. This is dragging the country down. It is not a question of shooting the messenger. People should report in an honest and fair manner. They can be critical when criticism is necessary. At the same time, they should try to be supportive during this difficult time for the Government, the Parliament and the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs. If we consistently undermine this country, and almost hope it will fail, we will do a disservice to those who are trying to run a small business and create employment and the hundreds of thousands of people who are trying to look for work at present.

On a political note, as a member of Fianna Fáil I will accept any blame that is apportioned to me for what was not done in the context of oversight of the banks and perhaps putting the brakes on earlier through budgetary policy. However, equally every political party in the Dáil put inflationary policies before the people in the 2007 general election. Not one political party stated we should increase stamp duty and slow the property market. To be honest and fair about the criticism I will accept, people must be honest with themselves. However, the negative sentiment that sometimes comes from this Chamber, but more importantly from outside the Chamber by some of our broadcasters, is damaging opportunities and the hope that we can turn this corner using the only resource that we have, which is the people themselves. I commend the Government amendment to the House.

See this speech in context