Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

All of this affects the credibility of Deputy Buttimer and others. It affects the trust placed in them by huge numbers of the electorate of this country in electing them to government. It affects their ability to bring the people with them in the context of the tough measures coming down the track.

Last year's budget contained €6.6 billion in cuts. The Government is required to find a further €3.6 billion this year. The Government has postponed until September discussions in regard to what areas or Departments may be affected. Meanwhile, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste say there will be no tax increases or changes in welfare rates. The Government should get a few more lifeboats ready, in terms of back benchers, considering what is coming down the tracks.

See this speech in context