Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach's response is disappointing. I have listened to him over the past number of days talking about respect for other people's points of view and opinions. I raise this in the context of the international reaction to, and perception of, Ireland. The Taoiseach knows it is possible to have an earlier concluding date for the finance Bill. It is also perfectly in order to reschedule an earlier concluding date for the other legislation that have been referred to as being important. Many of the major elements of the budget are being implemented.

The Taoiseach knows that we put through the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill 2010, which was complex legislation, in one day prior to Christmas. I respect fully that there is a process in respect of the finance Bill but it is possible to reschedule an earlier conclusion to the Bill. I only raise it in the context of what was said to me yesterday at European level where people are concerned and anxious that we are not doing the business as efficiently as we should. This is the second week of this session and we have not yet had sight of the finance Bill and Deputy after Deputy on the Government side has been talking about how important it is to get the Bill through and the great priority the Government attaches to it, yet we have not seen publication of it.

In a spirit of co-operation, I reiterate my advice to the Taoiseach, which is to consider a rescheduling and earlier conclusion to the Finance Bill in the interests of our country, which he is obviously so interested in.

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