Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am a sportsperson. Morale is very important when one is involved in sport. It is also important for society. Morale in this country is very low. Families are suffering and the people of Ireland built this country to what it is today. The Minister and I know that this country is highly respected throughout the world for the amount of work that it does. All I am trying to say is that the people of Ireland want a bit of help. There is no point in waiting for the rainy day funds. If my family was suffering and I had the money to help them out, I would do so. The Minister's family, which is the country, is asking this Government for help. We are looking for help now. We are not just waiting for a rainy day fund. I am not making this a political football. The Government has helped so far. Some €2.4 billion is a considerable amount to have given so far, but we have this extra money just lying there. Now is the right time to react. We need to keep this country building for our children's future and everything else. This country has a very old population and will need more and more money. To make money, money has to be invest. I am pleading with the Minister to have a look at the situation and invest in Ireland.

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