Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I know the members of the Opposition are very upset. I sympathise with them because it must be very difficult to be in opposition to a very successful Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government. I have not witnessed such excitement and upset on the opposite side of the House for some time.

Our slogan "A lot done, more to do" is very true. We committed to introducing a €200 per week old age pension. That figure has been exceeded for contributory old age pensions, which will be €209, and has been reached for the non-contributory pension, which will be €200. This is a great achievement. We have delivered on our commitment whereas the rainbow coalition could deliver in the region of just £96 when Proinsias De Rossa, former Democratic Left Deputy, now Labour Party MEP — he was in every party — was in office. When he got his chance at the Cabinet table — he was Minister for Social Welfare — he could deliver nothing.