Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The sad part is that the Deputy applauded it. He probably thought he was doing the right thing at the time. Those of us who had the temerity to raise questions were ridiculed; now the entire population is being ridiculed. We have been told to consider our position and asked if we understand. We have been told this is something that should not happen. Has anyone told those on the Opposition benches that there is no money available and that we are inches away from tipping over into the abyss?

Do we fully realise what can happen? Do we realise how tenuous are the payments on which we all depend - everyone inside and outside this House, those on social welfare and every other payment, the employed and unemployed - how they could disappear right before our eyes if something goes wrong?

The Minister well knows - we have had many discussions, sometimes animated - that I understand the position she is in, but I equally understand the plight of the people. Someone has referred to the friends in The Irish Times who have been criticising me of late. I am sorry for them, but they would want to get real also. We live in desperate times and if there is any doubt in anyone's mind, we had better recognise what lies before us. Recognition of the full extent of the problem is half the battle. Of those who say we can get money somewhere, I ask: where? Can someone tell me the answer?

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