Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy can take it this is an inherent part of the work of good government. That is why we made a decision to reverse the cut in the minimum wage in order to give a level of protection to people at the lower end of the scale. Those who are in vulnerable positions or who need particular attention or provision of levels of service and facilities clearly must be a priority for any Government that has social justice and conscience at its heart. I would like to think that Government is not just about statistics and numbers. Essentially, it is about people and their lives. The Government must make choices. We do not have the flúirse airgid, about which the Deputy and I have spoken. Therefore, choices must be made and there must be a sense of equity and fair play for people. What went on in this country for very many years was far removed from fair play. We must now rectify that situation and we will.

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