Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We welcome the framework document set out by the Government today and which is hoped will be a realistic and sustainable proposal for our further consideration on the deteriorating global economy being faced by all parties and the Government in particular.

I propose that colleagues will have an opportunity tomorrow, in the Second Stage debate on the Finance Bill, to make reference to the document being brought forward today. I am aware that many colleagues wish that corrective measures be taken urgently by the Government to deal with a situation that is changing on a day to day and week to week basis, as has been pointed out in respect of the sterling currency challenge. That is a further challenge to us doing business here in the Twenty-six Counties. All of that must be corrected.

As was correctly said, the budget was brought forward by the Government on 14 October and we should consider the changes that have taken place since then. They are unprecedented. A 90 year old man, who is a substantial employer in this State, told me yesterday that in his lifelong experience he has never seen anything like it. All we can do is look to the forefathers, the pioneers, and those who have created the Ireland of today. We should consider the changes that man made since he came from the province of Munster to create such enormous opportunities for hundreds if not thousands of people in our country.

We should all learn from this experience. None of us is infallible. If we all told the truth, we would admit that none of us has the answer. We are all trying to do the best we can for the opportunity the people have given us, regardless of the party one represents in this House.