Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

An act of treachery is the only way one could describe what went on over the weekend in terms of the agreement that was signed by the Government on our behalf. This contract of shame will bring real poverty to many homes throughout the country. Every man, woman and child will need to pay €6.50 in interest every day. It will be a millstone around every citizen's neck. It will bring poverty to homes where people worked long and hard during the boom so that they could have better days. They are now looking to their children's piggy banks to pay for Christmas, all for a deal at any cost from a Government of half truths, part truths and blatant untruths. The Taoiseach has told us it is imperative that the budget be passed and that we send a clear signal to the international money markets that we will pass it and the Finance Bill, yet we are being told there will be time enough to pass the Bill next March or April. If it is so important, introduce it in the House and we will debate and pass judgment on it.

Let us go to the people and let them have their say once and for all. This country and its people are crying out for the truth, hope and a future. The people were betrayed by the Government before the last general election. We were told by the then Minister for Finance of soft landings which failed to materialise. We then had the Taoiseach's words of wisdom in May 2009, when he stated: "We are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel." That light was the septic bank express coming down the track straight at us to pulverise our country and economy.

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