Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I have been a trade unionist all my life; I was an officer in the trade union movement for many years and at all times I defend its rights. However, this is one occasion on which when we must balance requirements in the State. I made the point here on a previous occasion that we needed to be particularly careful regarding most of those on social welfare because they were in a very serious situation as they had no jobs and big mortgages to pay. Those who can keep their jobs are asked to make a sacrifice and that should be the case. I compliment the media because in recent weeks they have adopted a very realistic approach to the problems we face.