Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. No one is thrilled that the Bill has been brought before us, but we are realistic enough to know that what is being done has to be done. Every Oireachtas Member has suffered a reduction in income through salary and expenses cuts and levies. If one is human, one could not but dislike accepting a pay cut, but we must be responsible and accept that the Government has no choice. I am slightly worried by contributions to the debate in both Houses and some of the written commentary following the budget that we are deluding ourselves that the problems have been solved and will go away. We are still on the verge of national bankruptcy.