<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rdf:RDF
  xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
  xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
  xmlns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/"
  xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/">
		
<channel rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=35">
<title>Cyprian Brady - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=35</link>
<description></description>
<dc:language>en-gb</dc:language>
<dc:creator>KildareStreet.com, mprss.php script</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:17+00:00</dc:date>

<items>
<rdf:Seq>
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g580.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g578.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g576.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g574.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g572.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g570.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g568.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g566.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g564.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g562.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g560.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g558.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g556.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g554.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g552.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g550.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g548.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g546.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.433.0&amp;m=76#g477.0" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.395.0&amp;m=76#g417.0" />
</rdf:Seq>
</items>

</channel>

<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g580.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g580.0</link>
	<description>While yesterday&acirc;€™s budget was not easy for anybody, I support the measures that were taken.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="580.1">While yesterdayâ€™s budget was not easy for anybody, I support the measures that were taken.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g578.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g578.0</link>
	<description>I have spoken to many pensioners, widows and widowers about the alternative to taking their Christmas bonus, which would be to take &acirc;‚&not;10 or &acirc;‚&not;15 a week from them.  Which option does the House...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="578.1">I have spoken to many pensioners, widows and widowers about the alternative to taking their Christmas bonus, which would be to take â‚¬10 or â‚¬15 a week from them.  Which option does the House think such people would prefer?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g576.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g576.0</link>
	<description>I have listened over the past two days as the most vulnerable people in society have been used as political footballs.  They have been kicked around this Chamber.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="576.1">I have listened over the past two days as the most vulnerable people in society have been used as political footballs.  They have been kicked around this Chamber.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g574.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g574.0</link>
	<description>This budget is based on fairness.  We are asking people to contribute according to their means.  As previous speakers have pointed out, this is the next step in the process we have to go through....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="574.1">This budget is based on fairness.  We are asking people to contribute according to their means.  As previous speakers have pointed out, this is the next step in the process we have to go through.  None of us on this side of the House wants to take the Christmas bonus from anybody.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g572.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g572.0</link>
	<description>We have improved transport infrastructure.  We have increased investment in education.  There have been unprecedented increases in social welfare payments.  Every section of society has...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="572.1">We have improved transport infrastructure.  We have increased investment in education.  There have been unprecedented increases in social welfare payments.  Every section of society has benefited, as I have said.  We are now asking every section of society to contribute according to its means.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g570.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g570.0</link>
	<description>This is a difficult budget.  Difficult decisions had to be made.  This country is facing an unprecedented economic challenge.  We have come through a good period of prosperity, from which all...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="570.1">This is a difficult budget.  Difficult decisions had to be made.  This country is facing an unprecedented economic challenge.  We have come through a good period of prosperity, from which all sections of our society have benefited.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g568.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g568.0</link>
	<description>The new agency will ensure that banks have no excuse not to lend credit, provide overdrafts, increase mortgages if people request it or to repossess the homes of people who default on their...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="568.1">The new agency will ensure that banks have no excuse not to lend credit, provide overdrafts, increase mortgages if people request it or to repossess the homes of people who default on their mortgages.  That is the purpose of this agency.  This is what the Opposition called for less than two weeks ago.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g566.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g566.0</link>
	<description>-----we will not in the future have a situation whereby people are being written off by banks.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="566.1">-----we will not in the future have a situation whereby people are being written off by banks.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g564.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g564.0</link>
	<description>It will force the banks&acirc;€™ hand and will ensure that-----</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="564.1">It will force the banksâ€™ hand and will ensure that-----</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g562.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g562.0</link>
	<description>The agency will deal with banks&acirc;€™ toxic assets.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="562.1">The agency will deal with banksâ€™ toxic assets.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g560.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g560.0</link>
	<description>People need banks to keep their business going and to pay their employees.  We need a banking system.  It was realised at an early stage that quick, efficient and drastic measures were needed and...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="560.1">People need banks to keep their business going and to pay their employees.  We need a banking system.  It was realised at an early stage that quick, efficient and drastic measures were needed and they were taken.  There has been much commentary in regard to the establishment of the agency to deal with toxic assets.  There appears to be some confusion on the part of the Opposition.  Less than two weeks ago, an Opposition spokesperson suggested we deal with the toxic assets of banks through the creation of a good bank-bad bank system.  Yesterday, the Minister for Finance announced details in regard to the establishment of an agency that will do exactly what was requested.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g558.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g558.0</link>
	<description>On the banks, we need a banking system in this country.  Everybody in this room has a bank account.  Many people have credit cards and loans from banks.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="558.1">On the banks, we need a banking system in this country.  Everybody in this room has a bank account.  Many people have credit cards and loans from banks.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g556.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g556.0</link>
	<description>-----and they affect people&acirc;€™s daily lives.  Not alone are our constituents affected, but so too are our colleagues and families.  Some of the decisions made are painful.  The Government does...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="556.1">-----and they affect peopleâ€™s daily lives.  Not alone are our constituents affected, but so too are our colleagues and families.  Some of the decisions made are painful.  The Government does not like associating itself with decisions that are tough on people.  The Minister for Finance accepted yesterday that this budget will affect people directly.  We must all go out there on a daily basis and meet people and talk to them about this budget, as we did yesterday.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g554.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g554.0</link>
	<description>We must address the gap in our public finances by increasing taxes and reducing our expenditure in a fair and sustainable manner.  If anything, yesterday&acirc;€™s budget must be seen as sustainable...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="554.1">We must address the gap in our public finances by increasing taxes and reducing our expenditure in a fair and sustainable manner.  If anything, yesterdayâ€™s budget must be seen as sustainable into the future.  Some of the measures are painful-----</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g552.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g552.0</link>
	<description>The Government recapitalised two banks and nationalised another.  It imposed a stiff pension levy on our public servants.  Yesterday&acirc;€™s supplementary budget was another step towards achieving...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="552.1">The Government recapitalised two banks and nationalised another.  It imposed a stiff pension levy on our public servants.  Yesterdayâ€™s supplementary budget was another step towards achieving what is contained in that plan.  For us to continue to function as a country, we must ensure that we return to where we were when we were competing way above our weight internationally.</p><p pid="552.2">As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy MicheĂˇl Martin, pointed out we must export between 85% and 90% of what we produce in this country.  For us to compete as we used to, we must concentrate on the areas over which we have control.  They are public spending, taxation and investment.  Yesterdayâ€™s supplementary budget was necessary to show our people and people outside this country, from whom we must borrow money to sustain ourselves, that we can manage our way out of the current downturn and that we will be in a position to take advantage of the inevitable upturn which all commentators say is on the way.</p><p pid="552.3">We can all play politics and, if we want, make cheap political points.  I have listened to a great number of history lessons during the past two days in regard to where we where, what we did, what we should have done, who did what and when, and so on.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g550.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g550.0</link>
	<description>They are addressing the banking situation in order to restore credibility and confidence and to get credit flowing; attacking the gap in our public finances by increasing revenue and cutting...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="550.1">They are addressing the banking situation in order to restore credibility and confidence and to get credit flowing; attacking the gap in our public finances by increasing revenue and cutting spending in a planned way over the next couple of years; protecting as many jobs as we can, restoring competitiveness in terms of the way we do business and supporting viable but vulnerable enterprises; and investing in those who are out of work to ensure they can return to employment as soon as possible.  A number of these steps have been already taken.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g548.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g548.0</link>
	<description>Last December, a plan was laid out.  As many Members on the opposite side of the House appear to have missed it, I will repeat it.  There were four cornerstones to the plan as laid out by the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="548.1">Last December, a plan was laid out.  As many Members on the opposite side of the House appear to have missed it, I will repeat it.  There were four cornerstones to the plan as laid out by the Taoiseach last December.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g546.0">
	<title>Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-08.329.0&amp;m=76#g546.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on these important Financial Resolutions.  Unfortunately, Members opposite do not have a monopoly in terms of susceptibility to the pain and worry being endured...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="546.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on these important Financial Resolutions.  Unfortunately, Members opposite do not have a monopoly in terms of susceptibility to the pain and worry being endured by our population.  We, too, are speaking to people, our work colleagues and our families about this issue.  We, too, know exactly how people are feeling.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-08T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.433.0&amp;m=76#g477.0">
	<title>Social Welfare: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.433.0&amp;m=76#g477.0</link>
	<description>As one of the Dublin eejits who worked in the employment exchanges back in the 1980s, at which time they were under severe pressure, I can appreciate the viewpoints on both sides of the counter....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="477.1">As one of the Dublin eejits who worked in the employment exchanges back in the 1980s, at which time they were under severe pressure, I can appreciate the viewpoints on both sides of the counter.  Those behind the counter have a particularly difficult job to do and are under severe pressure while those on the other side find going into an employment exchange in the first place traumatic, as the Minister stated.  Everybody must accept in this crisis that every effort must be made to protect the most vulnerable in society.  All sections of society must adapt and adjust as we proceed.</p><p pid="477.2">Over the past decade, we have managed to make improvements, particularly to our welfare system.  We have managed to increase payments and improve the service provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.  The dramatic and rapid increase in claimants we have witnessed recently is probably unprecedented.  Our population is growing continuously and immigrants came here to work when work was available.  We had one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, if not in the world.  These issues must be taken into account.</p><p pid="477.3">The Minister has alluded to the increase in the number on the live register.  In February 2008, there were approximately 190,000 thereon but this number had increased by 165,000, or 87%, by the end of February 2009.  This is an unprecedented and rapid increase.  A welfare system must adjust and cannot just be changed over night.  Staff, management and structures must adapt and the Department of Social and Family Affairs is probably one of the best Departments in this regard, particularly in terms of its use of technologies.  This represents a significant change over recent years.</p><p pid="477.4">It is a highly traumatic experience for a person to have to sign on in an employment exchange after losing a job, which in many cases might have been held for the preceding ten or 15 years.  The Department has, for some time, been trying to process such claims as efficiently and quickly as possible.</p><p pid="477.5">I remember when there were two or three main offices for signing on in the centre of Dublin.  People had to travel to them from the suburbs.  There are now local offices throughout the country providing a service.  In many cases, they are connected with many other local services, not just those associated with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.</p><p pid="477.6">An increasing number will fall into arrears on loans and mortgage repayments.  This side of the House has been conscious of this, particularly since the economic downturn.  I understand discussions are under way and mandatory new rules â€” on mortgage mediation, for instance â€” will be introduced by the Government shortly to ease the fears of those who are afraid of losing their homes.  The new rules will affect all mortgage providers, including the sub-prime lenders, to which other Members have referred.</p><p pid="477.7">The system itself will have to adjust to the rapid increase in demand for social welfare.  The staff of the Department of Social and Family Affairs are doing so but, unfortunately, those who must now avail of the services of the Department must do so also.  There have been changes and we now face a different, challenging set of circumstances.  We must ensure that those most in need are provided with the services they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.395.0&amp;m=76#g417.0">
	<title>Pre-Budget Statements (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-25.395.0&amp;m=76#g417.0</link>
	<description>I will perhaps bring some constructive comment to the debate and I welcome the opportunity to contribute.  Nobody in the House is unaware of the tough and unprecedented times we face.  The...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="417.1">I will perhaps bring some constructive comment to the debate and I welcome the opportunity to contribute.  Nobody in the House is unaware of the tough and unprecedented times we face.  The forthcoming budget must be fair and equitable.  If that is our bottom line, we can ensure the required changes will be made in such a way that people will support them, including those who have lost their jobs.  The changes will be made primarily to ensure workers retain their jobs.</p><p pid="417.2">Members have debated how and why we have arrived at this point.  Members of the public watch and listen to news broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week and, therefore, we cannot blame those who are worried and extremely concerned.  As a small, open economy, Ireland exports more than 80% of what it produces and, as a consequence, we are more vulnerable in a downturn.  However, over the past six months the so-called tiger economies in Asia have contracted more than our economy has over the past three or four years.  We must compete with these economies.</p><p pid="417.3">Over time through prudent investment in education and business, Ireland has managed to punch above its weight globally.  In the early years of this decade, Ireland was the largest exporter of software in the world.  That did not happen by accident.  The employees of the companies involved should have had jobs for the ten or 15 years of this success.  That happened through prudent management of the economy and an enabling fiscal programme.  We must maintain that confidence in ourselves.  We can talk ourselves into this or out of it.  However, to compete as we did in the past, we must concentrate on the areas over which we have control, including taxation and Exchequer spending, and how we spend money on services to which people have grown accustomed over the past 20 years and on the public service, which provides day-to-day front-line services in our hospitals, on our streets and in offices.  These services are not provided of their own accord, as they must be put in place.</p><p pid="417.4">Last year, circumstances over which the Government had no control changed and it has had to adapt to an unprecedented rate of change.  No Opposition Member has read the framework for sustainable recovery document, which sets out what the Government is doing.  The document highlights that the gap in the Exchequer finances must be tackled, the banks must be sorted out, jobs must be protected and created, those who have lost their jobs must be supported and Irelandâ€™s international reputation must be restored by strengthening our domestic corporate governance arrangements.  The Government parties are in the middle of doing this and the budget is part of the strategy.  It is necessary because we must demonstrate to the public, foreign investors and businesspeople who will create jobs in Ireland or who will provide money for borrowings, that we can manage our way out of the downturn.  Basic economics dictate there will be peaks and troughs and when the economy inevitably picks up, we must be in a position to take advantage of that situation.</p><p pid="417.5">It does not matter who is sitting in the Taoiseachâ€™s position.  The decisions he must make now and in the future are not easy but, as with a business or household budget, one cannot spend what one is not taking in.  Over the past decade, Fianna FĂˇil has reduced the national debt.  Where would we be if we had not done that?  Many countries are saying they are in a worse position than Ireland.  We have a proven track record in prudent management and we should take advantage of that.  When times are good, people have a different outlook and, therefore, we cannot blame people who are concerned and worried.  Every day I meet people in Dublin city who are greatly concerned about what will happen over the next six months, never mind over the next two or three years.</p><p pid="417.6">There are areas in which investment needs to be maintained and, where possible, we must ensure such investment takes place.  Education is the key.  Successive Governments have invested in the education system and third level graduates are much more confident and educated.  We must provide them with a future.  People who have lost their jobs in recent times must be supported and, while we accept the number unemployed will increase, we must do something about it through training, further education, upskilling and so on, which must be paid for.</p><p pid="417.7">A banking system is necessary to run the economy but it needs to be overhauled and the Government is engaged in this process.  The vast majority of bank officials are talented and they do a good job.  A small number lost the run of themselves in recent years.  Everybody accepts that and we must deal with that.  Practices must change radically and customers must be protected.  When one considers how banks have changed the way they do business, for instance, over the past decade, it is no wonder people do not trust them.  They have done everything to discourage customers from using branches.  One almost needs an appointment to talk to a teller.  They have changed the way they do business and this has resulted in people losing trust in them.  This issue must be tackled.</p><p pid="417.8">We are in a particularly tough place but the most vulnerable in our society must continue to be protected.  Fianna FĂˇil ensured pensions and social welfare rates increased over recent years as well as an expansion of services.  Special needs assistants did not exist ten years ago but they play a significant role in our society today.  We must protect such services and the only way to do so is to ensure money is available at the end of each fiscal year to pay for them.  In the present climate, it must be ensured that the changes that are made are seen to be equitable.  Many people have said they are willing to make sacrifices and we must tap into the acceptance that we are where we are and we need to do what we need to do.  This is another step in the Governmentâ€™s plan.</p><p pid="417.9">People cannot be blamed for being worried.  The Government must strike the correct balance between the amount it takes out of the economy to pay for services and social welfare payments and protecting jobs, while encouraging employers to create and retain jobs.  We need businesspeople who are willing to take a chance to get into the marketplace and sell.  The more we support such people, the more we will get back in the long run.  The Government has a plan but we must have the courage to stick to it and to implement it.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-25T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>


</rdf:RDF>