Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

If we were not in a programme, given the circumstances that apply to the country, we would be expected to do in a year what is envisaged over three years in the programme. That would have brought the Poor Clares out in public with a clear break in their silence, although I am not sure if Deputy Higgins would have joined in the chorus. We must look at what the commentators and economists all say. None of them have to make decisions and the decision here must be balanced between rectifying the structural defects and deficiencies in the way our country is run, in our public finances, and growing our economy while providing sufficient for day to day services to operate in our country. That is the balance that must be achieved and it will only be achieved by the Government making decisions that are in the best interests of the country and our people.

The airport the Deputy mentioned is not a State airport and has been held out as the kind of model others should follow in terms of their increases in passenger numbers and the way it conducts its business. I invite the Deputy to come down there on many occasions during the summer to see the excited people who will come from mainland Europe and our main tourism markets to see, understand and appreciate the wonderful opportunities for people to enjoy themselves in a country like ours.

A financial institution was mentioned by the Deputy. Financial institutions will have to change their own structures because of the requirement for a leaner, more efficient, more competent and smaller banking sector. I remind the Deputy that whatever happens in those sectors, it will be of a voluntary nature.

The Government is focused on dealing with the reality we face every day, that we must deal with and that we will deal with in the best interests of our people and country to rectify the morass and mess we have inherited. We are not afraid of the challenge; we will meet it successfully.

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