Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

In recent days the Government has shown nothing short of endemic incompetence. We have a divided Cabinet and the pattern of failure seems to go on and on. The Government failed to manage the boom and now is failing to inspire confidence. Families and parents want nothing more than to have confidence in the country. They do not want to see their children emigrating. If the Government were to inspire confidence or show leadership, the people would row in behind it but we are not seeing this.

I refer to Mr. Peter McLoone's article in today's edition of The Irish Times. He lists the reforms that were on the table last week and refers to "Long-sought changes like the extended working day, which would deliver more flexibility" in the health service. We read in the newspapers today about a man in Beaumont Hospital who did not receive the treatment he needed when in the hospital, with tragic consequences. I wonder what his family thinks about the lack of reform in the health service.

Mr. McLoone refers to "increases in day care, community health services, outpatient and diagnostic capacity" and lists all the reforms discussed. Why were these reforms not on the table in the past 12 years? Why are they being discussed at the 11th hour, given that they are so badly needed to provide the front-line services we need in health, education and every other sector? It is an absolute disgrace and a complete indictment of the way the boom has been managed by the Government. There was a lack of focus on reform which is clear for all to see considering what was on the table last week. It has left those in front-line services in a very distressed state and means those trying to access services are getting less than they should.

People are very frightened and upset about what will be in the budget tomorrow. I reiterate my call for the protection of child benefit and services for the vulnerable. There should be a focus on creating and maintaining jobs because this is critical to the thousands who are now unemployed and the companies trying to retain staff in employment. I ask the Leader to respond to these points.