John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

We are well placed and we are taking the right decisions. We will continue to take the right decisions and the necessary cuts will be made while protecting the less well-off in society. I agree with Senator MacSharry about how sensible companies are in making adjustments where necessary by adopting short-term, week on, week off arrangements. The last thing we need to do is close businesses because the economy will pick up again, as will the international economy. I expect the economy to continue to be a major player.