Alex White (Labour)

I listened carefully to the speakers opposite, including the Minister of State, who started their speeches by telling us how they were satisfied or pleased that matters were starting to turn around and the position was changing. The phrase from the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in the budget was that we were "turning the corner". All these phrases were used. I sat back as I do not usually interrupt people, by and large, so I wanted to hear the examples of concrete achievement. I address my remarks to what Senator Boyle said a few minutes ago as well.

The indication was that action was beginning to bear fruit but no example is ever given. The only instance I have heard repeated is what the Minister for Finance said on radio yesterday morning about the people who Richie Boucher met when he went to Europe last week being very happy with us. The people Mr. Boucher had dinner with in Europe or wherever he was appear to be happy and the Minister for Finance said he was perplexed that everybody abroad seemed to be happy but nobody in Ireland is happy. That is because the people in Ireland are facing the brunt of what is occurring.

The Minister has spoken about finance ministers and other colleagues in European governments being supportive of what the Irish Government is doing. Forgive me if I am wrong but I do not think I have ever seen a minister in the European Union criticising a colleague about anything. What is this business about with people getting a pat on their back when they go abroad? They seem to think that is the approval rating needed. Of course, there is only one approval test and set of criteria by which we can meaningfully assess anything the Government is doing. That is the kind of delivery that some of the speakers opposite, when they come to their senses, would apply to the debate; it concerns when there will be real lending available to businesses and people in the Irish economy. There is no evidence that it has happened yet. I am sure if the Minister could find a morsel of evidence for it he would tell us about it all the time. There is no evidence.