Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The letter was circulated by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in his capacity as leader of the Green Party. It is very important, from the point of view of that party and from the point of view of everyone else, to see if there is some way a form of general consensus might be arrived at. As the Deputy stated, there is consensus among the main political parties with regard to reducing the deficit to 3% by 2014. I made the point on the Friday before last that we would seek to facilitate the Opposition parties in respect of their spokespersons receiving briefings and analysis from the Department of Finance in due course. It is hoped that this will be provided soon.

I welcome the fact that Fine Gael and the Labour Party seem to agree that there is a need to achieve the 3% deficit target by 2014. That is helpful. An issue then arises with regard to the four-year plan that is being devised. The Government obviously has a responsibility to bring forward such a plan. No one claims to have a monopoly on wisdom and if people wish to suggest constructive approaches that might be taken or if they wish to offer their views, these would be welcomed. The country faces an extremely challenging period but I am of the view that we will come through this if we deal with the matter in a rational, calm and intelligent way.

I have always stated that the Opposition can take on board the briefings and analysis that will be provided and that we could then examine whether people share similar views on the facts as they stand. The detailed policy response to those facts may differ from party to party. However, it is important that we should all at least be given the facts relating to the nature of the fiscal challenge we face. Those are issues that will emerge in due course as the data is evaluated and as decisions and judgments are reached in respect of it. In that context, it would be helpful if the three main parties - I understand Sinn Féin has a different point of view - could confirm that this is their broad position.

Regardless of the situation relating to the banks, there is an issue to be resolved in respect of the gap that exists between what we spend and the amount of money accruing to the Exchequer. It would not be correct to state that the issue relating to the banks is the source of all our problems but it does contribute to those problems in the context of the increased national debt to which it gives rise. The fact remains that there is an issue on the fiscal front which must be resolved. I look forward to people taking an open and constructive approach in respect of that issue.

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