John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Like others I welcome developments and the talks that will ensue with the social partners.

I am very conscious that there is talk of bail outs from other countries. We are so far removed from the reality of a bail out that we should put it in perspective. In the 1980s when the debt of this nation was at 130% of GNP, and not 30% as it stands this year or 50% as it will be next year, and interest rates were at 18%, this country managed to pay in full its debts. It seems to be a bit of a nonsense when our debt will be at 50% next year and interest rates are at 4.5% that people are talking about default. There is absolutely no possibility of this whatsoever. This country is well placed to deal with an international crisis. Yes, there was a problem in the banking industry. However, we have ensured low taxation which allows for an increase if necessary. We have ensured a low national debt, which is at 20% if we include some of the external assets. We have put away money in the national treasury. I suggest that we are very well placed and the discussions that take place on this issue are a nonsense.

This week we recognise organ donors and we hope to have a Private Members' Bill on this issue. I look forward to this debate and to a full and wholesome response. I hope we can do something to ensure there is an assumption of consent to organ donation. It is particularly important that this is fully supported at hospital level to ensure people understand what is happening. This happens in Spain and it seems to get very good results. This is not a matter of legislation only. We must ensure support.

The International Criminal Court in the Hague has issued a warrant for the arrest of the leader of Sudan. This is entirely appropriate. President Roosevelt warned the German Nazi's that they would face retribution for their crimes and there seemed to have been a fall-off in the amount and extent of their crimes in the reality that they were losing the war and that they would pay. It is good that people will be held accountable here and now for their crimes.