Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

It is not easy. It is scary. However, as my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, stated on Monday last, we have a duty of care. Our party is willing to contribute to ensure we get through this difficult period - get through the budget, get through the negotiations that we must conclude with our European colleagues and give the country a sense of confidence.

I believe we will do that better through as much consensus as possible among all the parties in this House. It does not mean agreeing on everything or compromising on anything. That sort of open debate and honesty is what the people seek as we head towards a very difficult few days and weeks. My sense on meeting Deputies of different parties here over the past week or so is that they share that view and I hope our debate here takes place in that spirit because it is what the people are looking for.

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