Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Yes. We keep pouring water in only for it to run out the other end. How much more tax can workers — middle income earners — take? This is a serious issue. There will be anarchy in this country if workers are continually asked to pay while the Government fails to come up with a job creation strategy. The only way to plug the hole in the bucket is to put in place a job creation strategy. The only basis on which I will justify St. Patrick's Day trips abroad is in respect of job creation. This is not business as usual any longer. Every Minister should assure the people and this House that they are going abroad on that basis.

Where is the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment? She did not intervene to save the jobs at risk in Waterford. Where is her job creation strategy? What is she doing? A week ago she told us our public finances were fine.