John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I join with those who call for a debate on transport. It is entirely practical and proper that in these times we should have maximum flexibility. If the Irish Exporters Association tells us we can become more competitive by having rail transport directly to the ports by night then we should take it on board. We are told that in the first nine months of this year exports increased by 4%. That we could increase our exports in the middle of what is a perfect storm of financial and other matters is extremely positive. However, the fact remains that we are in a recession. We will need flexibility on all sides and this will include rail and ensuring we have competitive exports because this is from where future growth will come.

The United States is discussing deflation. If this happens, it would be the first time in 50 years. With this in mind, the debate on the economy should include FÁS training so we can quickly return people to work. In the 1980s workers' co-operatives were introduced. We may have a recession but I do not believe it will be a never-ending recession. An economic commentator stated on the news that it will go on forever but it will not. It will end and better times will come again. We should be ready and we should look forward and be positive.

During the good times, we allowed things to happen that we could afford. With regard to Combat Poverty and duplication, we do not mean duplication because it implies two, we are discussing triplication and quadruplication. Where one job is being done by five, ten and seven different groups what is the point of subsidising it when we cannot afford it?