The previous Government acted in a negligent fashion, ignoring the warnings and allowing the gulf between what was available to spend and what was actually spent to reach a level that was completely unsustainable in any circumstances. It enjoyed surpluses of billions of euro each year, yet, shortly after the commencement of the recession, the money had evaporated. The people still fail to understand this, and rightly so. There was unquestionably bad fiscal management at play, yet, when faced with economic collapse, the former Government was offered a lifeline in the form of the EU-IMF bailout. The banks and State got bailed out. However, if some of the financiers had their way, some people would be thrown out of their houses. Everything possible must be done to ensure this does not happen. We must legislate for the greater good to ensure the least possible damage is inflicted on the people as a result of these extremely difficult times. These times will pass. When they do, let us not look back with regret having left some to die in the wilderness. Let us be firm, but fair. That is what is required of us, and we must deliver thereon. The people must view this legislation for what it is, namely, their legislation and the solution to their problems, because the people affected include all our families. Each affected individual is somebody's son, daughter, brother, sister, cousin or friend.

See this item in context