Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

No matter which economist one believes - we have quite a number to choose from - the bottom line is that we are in a dire situation, and there is a real fear that we are facing bankruptcy. I wonder whether we have time to continue with adversarial politics in this country. There was an interesting exchange this morning in the House in which somebody on this side - Deputy Ross - made a suggestion that the Taoiseach, on that side, was prepared to consider. It is not the prerogative of the Government but of this House to come up with a jobs initiative. If we had taken that approach, inviting people from all sides of the House to make suggestions, we might have come up with a more comprehensive plan, although this is not to deny the good that is in this initiative.

Seanfhocal, "Tús maith leath na hoibre". A strong foundation is needed. Is the Government laying out mechanisms for high-quality economic activity over the long term, which will bring stability to Irish society, or is it a short-term, volatile fix subject to the vagaries of greedy global markets and the quick-buck gombeen men, both foreign and domestic?

One positive aspect is the summer works programme for schools. The money will be provided to those projects that are ready to start immediately. Tá Gaelscoil Bharra, i gCabrach, réidh chun tosnú leis an obair. Tá siad ag fanúint ar scoil nua le fada an lá anois, agus tá súil agam go mbeidh siad sa scéim sin. I hope the plans for two further bundles of the public private partnership schools programme will be based on real need and not influenced by voting considerations, as has happened in the past. I also hope that the internship scheme will offer a high quality experience and that the people involved will learn significantly and make a contribution. It should not be just another type of slave labour.

Our corporation tax rate appears set in stone as our salvation but I repeat that we cannot be a tax haven for multinationals avoiding paying their just taxes in their own countries. As to exactly how much of this 12.5% tax is collected, there are disquieting reports of companies paying as little as 2%. Of that 12.5% tax collected, how much will be invested in jobs-focused growth?

Job retention is also important. I appeal for community-based projects working with people with addiction issues, with youth, with Travellers and with unaccompanied young minors. They provide a very valuable service at very little cost. To cut those kinds of jobs would prove very problematic in the long run.

Many of us attended the See Change meeting this morning. We saw people there who coped with adversity, isolation and mental illness and they had such a positive message for all of us. There is a positive message for all of us, namely, that we have to grasp the nettle and look forward.

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