Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I wanted to respond to something he said but I realised he had left the Chamber. The amendment commends the Government for its management of the economy and the public finances, which means that Ireland faces the current global economic crisis from a position of strength. That must be a joke. We were the first country in Europe to go into recession and we are now rated second to Latvia in that regard after 35 years of Cohesion and Structural Funds. How can the Government say we are now facing the current global economic crisis from a position of strength? A Minister told me privately that this country may be facing the collapse of the economy in six months' time. On reading the amendment, I asked myself whether we are reading the same script. I am concerned about the arrogance shown in the amendment because it demonstrates the Government has the wrong attitude. It is this approach which has brought us to where we are.

While I will focus on trying to be positive, I must acknowledge that a job is being lost every three minutes, unemployment stands at almost 300,000 and job opportunities appear to be confined to working in social welfare offices. In addition, unemployment and the national debt have doubled in 18 months. I noted in my Christmas newsletter that a surplus of €6 billion at the end of 2006 had turned into a €13 billion deficit by the end of 2008. This is a swing of €19 billion in the national finances and the position has become much worse in the meantime. With employment declining, everything is now at risk.

Senator Boyle stated we should discuss the effects of the economic downturn. These include that people will be unable to meet their commitments and may lose their homes and that there is a risk of social unrest and emigration. I am concerned about whether, as Senator McFadden stated, anything we say in the House matters. Are the social partners the new elect? Can the Minister of State answer that question?