Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There has been a detailed debate on this matter. Over two days, we had a debate and statements from parties which set out their positions on it. I made it clear then that it was the Government's intention to proceed to a budget. The advice is there is no legal obligation here but I believe there is a political imperative, given the attempt to create uncertainty about this matter by suggestions that people would, over the coming months, question the validity of the agreement or whatever that was set down by people engaging in an exercise elsewhere.

The passing of the budget was the first instalment in that matter and the passing of the motion will further reinforce the agreement, if further reinforcement is necessary, but I am determined to send a certain and clear message that this agreement has the support of the House and on the budget, on which the availability of funding under the programme is required, which has been passed by the House through the financial resolutions passed on budget night. It is, therefore, for that purpose I wanted to deal with it in that way to avoid further uncertainty being created by others.

See this speech in context