Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

What is happening to the Opposition reminds me of the events depicted in George Orwell's novel, Animal Farm. If those on the other side of the House have not read that book, I suggest they study its contents at some stage.

I want to try to give people a message of hope and comment on the four-year plan that is to be introduced to address the difficulties this country is encountering. We should consider that plan an opportunity - it is not a threat - to address the many shortcomings and difficulties that have come to light during the past 20 years. It will take political courage and initiative to tackle these shortcomings and difficulties.

To date, the Government has shown courage, particularly in the context of taking €14.5 billion out of the economy. That was not an easy task. We must now move to the next level. We must move faster, think quicker and be proactive rather than reactive in respect of the way in which we go about our business. In addition, we must follow through on the many reports that are sitting on shelves. We must set targets and establish methods to achieve them. We must then achieve those targets and move on. There is no shortage of ideas among Members on the Government side. In that context, most of the ideas that have been put forward during this debate emanated from this side of the House.

There is a need to move in respect of the Croke Park agreement. We must establish measurable targets and obtain updates on a weekly basis to ensure these targets are being achieved and discover what is being delivered. We must also foster a flexible workforce which will have the ability to move quickly and deal with issues as they arise.

I was struck by Deputy Rabbitte's contribution which, to a large extent, was spot on. However, the Deputy has been a Member of the Dáil for the entire period of my adult life. Why, therefore, has he not done that which he outlined? Why has that to which he referred not been achieved?

We need to deal with much of the red tape that has been allowed to build up and with the various difficulties that have arisen. We must adopt a value-for-money ethos in respect of everything we do. In addition, we must address the burden that has been placed on small businesses by reducing the level of red tape that obtains and adjusting the way in which we fund local government. In that context, we must review the way in which rates are levied. This is a national, not a local, issue. We have tied ourselves up in process and procedure and lost sight of outputs and outcomes. It is on the latter we really must focus.

We must foster and support the development of an entrepreneurial culture in schools and colleges. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be aware of the great work done by Wexford Local Development Limited. He will also be aware of the number of people who are fighting back and developing new initiatives and business ideas. Their efforts are leading to the creation of jobs in our constituency. We must work more closely with IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS and ensure they adapt in order that their ways of operating might prove more suitable in the context of dealing with the difficulties we are encountering.

In the context of tourism, I am on the side of the debate which states a stimulus should be provided. I support what is happening in respect of small business and I also support the tourism sector. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Hanafin, is continuing to highlight this country's unique selling points in the areas of the arts, culture, sport and marine and leisure activities. She is also making efforts to extend the tourism season to the full 12 months of the year. We should not be too proud to open our doors and bring in Michael O'Leary and representatives from Aer Lingus and the ferry companies to see if we can find creative ways to encourage people to visit this country.

We have worked extremely hard to address the difficulties relating to agriculture, forestry and the fisheries sector, with which I deal. A number of complex and difficult issues arise in respect of fisheries. It is easy for Deputies on the opposite side of the House to make certain points. There are two types of people in the world: sayers and doers. I would prefer it if Members could suggest ways in which we might deal with the difficulties that arise.

I have great faith in the people of Ireland and in their ability to pull together to work in the interests of all in society, to make changes now for the better, to learn from the mistakes that have been made to ensure we end up with a fairer and better society and to build on the many positive developments that have taken place in this country. We have done a lot but we have a great deal more to do. I visited Sir John Rogerson's Quay for a photo shoot on Wednesday morning of last week and I noticed the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the new convention centre, which is responsible for attracting huge numbers of people. It is now possible for me to travel from New Ross to Dublin Airport in one hour and 40 minutes. We must consider all of the positives that exist and build on them rather than concentrating on the negative aspects. This can be achieved only if we bring all of our citizens and this great country with us. I am confident we can do this.

I wish to fire one shot at the messengers. In that context, I appeal to the media to adopt a balanced approach. We have been kicking ourselves for two and a half years and there is no doubt we have got the message. Those in opposition are now so intoxicated by the thoughts of getting into power that they have forgotten the plan. They do not have a plan.

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