Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

It states "Far better would be a state development bank along the lines of Germany's KfW." The Minister is averse to new ideas and changes because he is addicted to whatever happened in the salad days of having money to throw at everything. That may have been new centres in Punchestown or the Bertie Bowl. Those days are gone but we need realistic and fresh hope to turn this economy around. What depresses me about today's speeches is that although we accept the smart economy, where is the smart and inspirational Government? Where is it giving leadership, to the public service in particular, that will enable public servants to believe that a reform programme will be adopted giving value for money, making savings, keeping public service jobs and, in particular, giving the people who are using our services the quality and standard of service in health and education that they are entitled to expect?

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