Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

These remarks are a preface to my question to the Leader. A national Government is required when the incumbent Administration does not have the numbers to take decisions. Leadership and competent Government are essential in this crisis and are precisely what we do not have. There has been much constructive engagement by the Opposition. We have offered many ideas and have acknowledged the seriousness of the economic difficulties with which we are faced. In the last seven months in particular, the Opposition has urged the Taoiseach to take some decisions. He has failed to do so. Moreover, his procrastination has further worsened the economic circumstances.