Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

——will lay a foundation on which the economy can recover. We live in unprecedented times and the challenges are extraordinary. We have a daily diet of negativity and doom and gloom which, in its own way, exacerbates the situation with regard to consumer and investor confidence. Without those recovering to some degree we will see a continuing decrease in the economic fortunes of the country. I welcome the fact that Fine Gael in particular of the Opposition parties has become much more constructive during the past month. While I do not agree with everything it brings forward, some of the detail is worthy of serious consideration and I am sure some of it will be reflected in the budget. Rather than try to appeal to the populace at large by making popular statements, it is up to all of us in the House, including the other Opposition parties, to be constructive in addressing what is the biggest challenge this country has faced since its foundation.