Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The point is the Minister for Transport was talking about having an election out in April or May. Does the Taoiseach have any concept of the reaction this creates in respect of uncertainty? I am stating, from my own experience here, that it is perfectly in order for the Government to bring in its budget next week. It could bring in a slimmed-down version of the key essentials of the finance Bill and have that put through the legislative process, to which the Taoiseach correctly referred, in the Dáil and the Seanad and have it out of the way by Christmas. That would restore some sense of stability, confidence and belief internationally that at long last, Ireland was beginning to move the way it should.

I offer this proposal in the spirit of being constructive. If the Taoiseach is serious about what he stated regarding the immediate priority and the restoration of certainty, I would support that. Consequently, I offer the Taoiseach the opportunity to bring forward the budget and a slimmed-down key essential finance Bill and to deal with it before the House rises for Christmas. The Taoiseach could then name the date for the general election towards the end of January.

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