Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I totally reject the idea that the Government is not operating effectively and doing its job. We have returned for the final term of this Dáil for good reason, as the Deputy knows. We need to enact the finance Bill and other related Bills, as well the Climate Change Response Bill and others. We have also entered into international obligations which have to be discharged in the first quarter of this year. When that is done the Dáil will be dissolved and the election will take place. We have made that very clear.

The motion of no confidence has been tabled by the Labour Party. I have dealt with such motions on a few occasions. It can be taken in the Labour Party's own time. We have work to do. I am confident that I will enjoy the confidence of the House when the motion is put. It will be tested again in due course. This is not the time for politics as usual from the Deputy. The Government needs to get on with its business professionally, competently and comprehensively and complete its legislative programme within the timeframe we set out. Thereafter, we will dissolve the Dáil and have a debate about who will govern the country. That is the situation, as the Deputy knows, and that is the way it will remain.

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