Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

Would it not be a good idea to have external monitoring of the Government's success? The Government sets itself up as its own examiner and gives itself an A+. Despite the claimed success rate, 97%, the unemployment rate remains stuck at 14.6%. The Minister referred in his reply to the credit guarantee scheme. The scheme is not yet in place and is a long way from being so. Not only have we to pass the legislation, we must also put in place a mechanism. The micro-finance scheme is not yet in operation and commercial rates have not been tackled. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has written a letter to local authorities which, from the feedback I am getting, certainly will not have very much impact. There were further promises that were to be fulfilled by now. For example, prioritising places on the further education scheme specifically for those on the live register for 12 months or more was not achieved. The one-stop shop for micro-business support structures has not been put in place.

From now on, will the Government agree to external monitoring so we can really see what is happening? One should bear in mind the fundamental legal principle, "Nemo iudex in sua causa.", which translates as, "Nobody should be judge in his own cause."

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