Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The last time Fianna Fáil could make the decisions, it cut child benefit for all and reduced basic social welfare payments. It is little wonder the party opposite is annoyed at this Government's budget which has protected these areas.

If Fianna Fáil is to seek to base its relationship with the people on honest agreement, as Deputy McGrath said last week and echoed by some Deputies tonight, then it should start now. As the Government amendment alludes, the fiscal correction on the current spending side decided upon a short 12 months ago by the party opposite is €300 million more than we implemented. Fianna Fáil needs to be upfront with the people.

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