Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

There are undoubtedly international factors at play but to deny that the poor decision making of recent years, including the reliance on property taxes, the inflationary budgets and the appalling waste, have played a part, and to refuse to apologise for this, is outrageous given that ordinary workers are being asked to put their hands in their pockets and give over their hard earned money. This is particularly so in the case of those on lower incomes. Where is the equity in that? The lack of acknowledgement by the Government of its poor decision making does not go down well with the public. Some recognition by the Administration of the mistakes it has made, which have resulted in ordinary workers bailing out bankers and property developers, is in order.

In the United States, a strict regime is being introduced for the regulation of the banking sector. There will be no room for excesses. For example, no bonuses may be awarded until taxpayers' money is repaid. Irish taxpayers must be similarly reassured that strict regulation will accompany any further capitalisation of the banks. It would have been reassuring for the public to have been informed yesterday of the Government's overall plan instead of only certain aspects of it.

The Government will undoubtedly argue that the reduction in the child care allowance announced yesterday is minimal. Will the Leader accommodate a debate on this issue? Perhaps he will come back to the House on this. We asked for a debate on child care. I hope it is not indicative of the Government's priorities that it intends to reduce investment in children, childcare and families. Those are not areas to be cut back in a recession. We already have a very poor infrastructure in this county and poor support for families. Priority cutbacks should not be made in this area.

New employment figures are coming out today. I ask the Leader to arrange for a Minister to come into the House, as soon as possible, to outline the Government's plans in respect of job training and job creation. The House needs a detailed debate on these matters and on supporting business.