Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to have a debate this week on the issue of social partnership. In so doing, I commend the unions on their ability to reach a deal last night. This is but one step. Why could Government not have done this last November or December? Why were four months of hardship endured by people who are already under great pressure? The reason is that we have a failed Government with failed policies and a lack of leadership. The Government's failed political policies are coming home to roost today, with the Minister for Finance about to unfurl the latest recapitalisation. Senator Healy Eames is absolutely right.

When will the taxpayer no longer have to bail out banks? When will it end? When will small and medium-sized enterprises, which the Leader says are the lifeblood of the economy, be given liquidity and allowed to fulfil their role in creating employment?