Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In the past week we have seen the authority of and trust in this Government evaporate. Having been told only last week that there was no need for any outside intervention or help with regard to a bailout, people have watched in horror as the IMF, the ECB and the European Commission arrived in Dublin. Within three days the Taoiseach announced a formal application for a bailout. Yesterday we saw the spectacle of the Taoiseach's absent friends withdrawing support from the Government on the basis that they had been betrayed and there was no proper communication within the Cabinet. It seems, following the Taoiseach's press conference yesterday, that there is an ongoing attempt to cling to power at all costs.

At this time of crisis what our country needs is confidence and stability; it currently has neither. That is why people with money in banks are concerned about whether it should be left there because the budget might not get through. It is very important to reiterate to those people that their money is safe.

I assure the Taoiseach that my party will act constructively in the interest of Ireland with a view to stability and confidence required both here and internationally. That is why we have a motion before the Dáil this evening that seeks to send a signal internationally about the importance of the 12.5% corporation tax rate, a fundamental cornerstone of foreign direct investment to our country.

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