Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran. Like all Members and every member of Fianna Fáil, including the Taoiseach, I am profoundly distressed when I hear of the extremely disturbing circumstances in which the people find themselves. As the Taoiseach, he feels the responsibility even more. This sense of responsibility drives his determination to lead the economy and our country to recovery, and recover it will. Our focus must be on economic recovery, jobs for our people, services for those in need and support for people to remain in their homes. Deputy Cowen's focus has been on all of these aspects since becoming Taoiseach. I have every confidence that he will lead us to economic recovery, and confidence is the subject of this debate.

I will give the House one evidence-based reason for my belief and conviction. I will not repeat other Senators' comments. When the Taoiseach became Minister for Health and Children and Fianna Fáil entered into Government in 1997, disability and mental health services were in disarray.