Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Deputy Bruton has been putting forward alternatives for several years. He has addressed repeatedly the issues of reform of the public sector and evaluation of public private partnership projects. He has spoken about the need to save money by limiting quangos. We have proposed a reduction in the rate of VAT from 13.5% to 12.5% to stimulate the building and tourism sectors. We have advocated the publication of a credible anti-inflation strategy. We have discussed the kind of funding needed for next generation broadband. We have made suggestion after suggestion to the Government but it has not listened. It has introduced inflationary budgets, including the most recent one, which have meant that the public finances are out of kilter. No money was saved for the rainy day we are now experiencing. We pointed out what needed to be done and we find today that the Government is looking to us for support. Fine Gael will be constructive in its support but will certainly be asking the questions I have outlined.