Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Our capital investment proposals would significantly contribute to Ireland's competitiveness, as well as developing a sustainable, performing economy. Investment in infrastructure not only benefits job creation in the immediate term, it also supplies side benefits for businesses and the State. For those who want to listen, we would fund these proposal from the remaining €5.3 billion in the NPRF and with €1.7 billion from the EIB. As the Taoiseach stated before the general election, we would not put money into criminally bad banks or pay unguaranteed bondholders.

Let me remark on one other aspect of bad policy and bad manners on the Government benches. The actions of Government backbenchers during the budget day speeches demonstrated the Government's cynicism. Rather than listen to criticisms and constructive proposals from this side of the House, they heckle, harangue and shout down other Deputies. Ministers are generally listened to respectfully by Sinn Féin Members, no matter how provocative they may be, but Government Deputies, including, occasionally, the Taoiseach, find it difficult to contain themselves when Sinn Féin Deputies are speaking. The occasional witty intervention, even the odd heckle or spontaneous remark, may liven things up, but the concerted efforts to shout down, bully or silence a speaker are unacceptable.

See this speech in context