Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Last night, we saw the fourth gangland murder in our capital city in just two weeks and the 17th overall. What other capital city in Europe tolerates the type of gangland murders we see in Dublin, almost week in week out at this stage? It is an extraordinary tally and very disturbing, especially for the communities most directly affected by them.

In recent weeks we have also seen a series of reports on the protection of children, yet we have no date for the referendum. After ten years of this Government we still have not put in place the type of child protection services necessary to put children at the centre. We leave today without a date for the referendum on children.

This week, we also heard the Taoiseach state there have been no cuts to front-line services in respite care. However, we had evidence from tens of people outside the gates of Leinster House who spoke about the respite care cuts they themselves suffer. This was a direct contradiction. However, we have had no Minister in the House to tell us how the Disability Act will be implemented.

These are all failures, but the biggest failure is the number of people emigrating because there is no work for them here. We want to develop a smart economy, yet we have this level of emigration. Our brightest and best are emigrating once again. Today, the ESRI is stating that we have the largest deficit in the EU. Of course it is because the money given to Anglo Irish Bank is included this year. What a record of shame. The Government is in denial. The Fianna Fáil website has a piece about turning the corner; this is the best example of denial. We have spoken repeatedly in the House about a job creation plan and getting credit flowing. As I speak on the last day of this Seanad term they remain problems-----