Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I will oppose the Order of Business if the Leader cannot arrange for the Government to send a representative, preferably the Minister for Finance, to the House to outline to us the Government's plans. I understand the Dáil is being briefed at 4 p.m. today and I would ask that the Seanad is also briefed today on the Government's plans, given the breakdown and failure of the social partnership talks last night. Agreement could not be reached and, as we know, the Taoiseach had put his faith and confidence in that strategy of working with the social partners which ended in failure last night.

It is a failure that has a significant consequence. We are all concerned about Ireland's standing internationally and the costs of borrowing internationally. Every day that we do not give out a message of confidence from this country, and a message that we are dealing with the €2 billion cuts that are required, is costing us €55 million, or €385 million a week. There is the possibility that the cost of borrowing will increase for this country if we do not give out a message that we are facing the issues head-on and making sound decisions. I ask the Leader that we are briefed today on the Government position on these issues.

Fine Gael has been making suggestions for a number of months. Again today, the Fine Gael leader, Deputy Enda Kenny, suggested that the Taoiseach would stop bypassing the Dáil and Seanad and come in to discuss how the €2 billion in cuts might be achieved. We have suggested that both these Houses should be used today to debate how these savings can be made. In particular, Fine Gael would say we need tough decisions but they need to be fair and equitable. We have stated we are prepared to work with the Government to arrive at these solutions. We have already called in recent months for the Government to take tough decisions. We have suggested various routes, all of which were ignored. I feel strongly that the people out there, particularly those in small businesses and those who are unemployed, need to see an action plan from the Government.

We have been saying this for a long time; this has been going on since last July. In September a pay agreement was introduced, in October the budget was introduced and now discussions with the social partners are taking place. There has been a very inconsistent and indecisive approach from the Government in recent of months and it is time for this to end. The people seek a plan and reassurance; they are very concerned. Will the Leader facilitate a discussion with a Minister today to discuss the €2 billion in cuts required? Fine Gael especially wishes to discuss how we can protect the most vulnerable and the people at the front line so that vital services are maintained. However, we recognise this is a crisis for the country and that everyone must play their part.