Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----not to characterise the country's prospects as he just did.

Data from the October tax returns will be available today at 4.30 p.m. which will confirm our tax take and budgetary plans are on track and expenditure is under control. The urgency to bring forward a four-year economic plan and a budget that will front-load the necessary adjustments of €15 billion is in the national interest. The Government will not abdicate its responsibility in this respect and will look, where it is possible, to obtain responsible support.

As was stated by the Ceann Comhairle at the opening of today's proceedings, Dr. Jim McDaid has tendered his resignation as a Member of this House. I wish him well. He has been a friend and colleague for many years. The Ceann Comhairle echoed what he stated first in September 2009 since when he has had an opinion on those issues. However, this Government's intention is to do its job at this time, and to use this House as a means by which we will put forward our budgetary policies.

I ask the Deputy to desist from suggesting that my authority is any different from that of any other Taoiseach, including the one under which he served. The authority of a Taoiseach is decided by the majority support of this House.

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