Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

It was demonstrated extremely carefully in his approach how the putative next Taoiseach reacted to that position. We can imagine what signal that sent to the markets abroad. A man in his position needs to be extremely careful how he reacts here. Confidence is a fragile flower and confidence is what we need. Everyone is talking about the beneficial impact of the conference in Farmleigh last week. It was a simple gesture, it did not cost anything but it generated good ideas and was about restoring confidence. The nation was pleased that new ideas and initiatives were put forward. We benefited from that. It is more of that we need, rather than the blame game as to how we got here. The point is we got here.

We need solutions to move on to the next considerations. The next important step is the Lisbon treaty and then the budget, the critical measure for Government of its commitment to keeping balanced finances. We will all have to be honest and open about how that will be done. It will be an interesting time. Hopefully, in the lead-in time to the budget, as the Department of Finance and the Minister for Finance prepare the finances, we will have a reasoned debate. I listened with interest to what previous speakers said about the solutions they would put forward in allowing the debt ratio to rise by so much. Regardless of what happens, we must contain public expenditure and whatever that means. I am glad the Minister indicated he is not keen to increase taxes on labour as that would be counterproductive. That is an important message to send out.

There is only one other element to consider, namely that of public expenditure and how cuts or greater efficiencies in it can be achieved. A report in today's newspapers demonstrates how we lost the run of ourselves when we had too much money. Everyone of us in all walks of life needs to examine how we can change the practices which might release finances. I refer specifically to a report that revealed that GPs in Ireland will get four times the amount GPs in the UK will get for administering the flu vaccine. That payment level is not sustainable. Frontline services will not be affected if we bring those kinds of prices back into line. That example illustrates only one area where we could contain expenditure without diminishing the quality of services. We need to encourage medical and other professions throughout the country that are receiving public moneys to examine how the same service can be delivered for less money.

A critical issue is what we can do to help the unemployed. Senator Coffey misquoted the figure of 12% in terms of unemployment, as the number unemployed has not yet reached that percentage, but unemployment is a worry for every family. We need to focus on the unemployed. That is the reason I regret the arguments made by some of the public sector unions when the Minister and the Taoiseach indicated we must examine the issue of public pay. We must show solidarity with the people who no longer have a job. That must be our priority. We must look after those people, not lose sight of the community and show solidarity to ensure we all come through this difficult period. We must not just look after our own interests but the interests of the community at large.