Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I spoke to the Minister this morning and schemes already in place or applications that have been received are being addressed.

Much discussion has arisen from Tuesday's budget, and I do not wish to repeat what has been said by Members on both sides of the House. The debate on the emergency budget has been good. I compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on his brave and pragmatic approach. He has grown in stature and worked into his brief as Minister for Finance at a difficult time. I have no doubt there is great confidence in him. He presented a tough budget that has affected every one of us in this House more than most, but we are all prepared to play our role and pay our dues to the State. We are fortunate and honoured to serve in the Oireachtas and it is only right and proper that we make a major contribution, as we all have done in this budget, and willingly.

We heard Peter Sutherland on "Morning Ireland" speak about the prevailing situation. He is a former European Commissioner, Attorney General, chairman of Goldman Sachs and chairman of BP. He gave a realistic and pragmatic assessment of the current situation. He is to be commended on raising his head above the parapet and going against the naysayers and gloom merchants. His contribution was inspirational. The Government information service should circulate his speech to all media outlets throughout the world. Mr. Sutherland would be a great spokesperson for Ireland Inc. and his talents should be utilised.