John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Deputy Howlin stated that despite the considerable constraints which will face a new Government, it will make different and better decisions. While it is only right that a political party would implement its policies, I return to my earlier question as to which of the cuts in the budget it will reverse. I suspect it would reverse few of them. This is the type of honest debate we need in this Chamber and elsewhere in the coming weeks.

The circumstances in which the Government drafted the budget were far from ideal. However, by combining the making of the necessary decisions with the introduction of a number of targeted initiatives, we have given cohesion to the budget. This will allow us to build on our considerable economic strengths and aid a faster and stronger recovery.

We hear a great deal about the need for confidence. There is confidence. People want hope and there are signs that we can make the transition. While it will be difficult to do so, this can only be achieved if we continue to make difficult choices. If we do so, the country will have a good future.

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