Dan Boyle (Green Party)

In recent days the business editor of the BBC, Robert Peston, described the situation of Ireland's economy as being hideously and perilously close to a cross between recovery and Armageddon. In my view this is fair comment. We are on a precipice as to whether our economy can and will recover. I am of the view that it can, should and will. This session of the 23rd Seanad could be one of the most vital in the history of the institution. Following on Senator Alex White's contribution, which I thought was unfortunate in some aspects, he is correct to say that how debates are conducted in this House in the coming weeks will be very important. I request that these debates, when they arise, would be conducted in the right spirit. We as a political system are engaged in an exercise.

Whenever an election is held and whatever the result of that election, the resulting Government will have to proceed along similar lines as have already been agreed with the European Commission to the effect that this year's budget will have an adjustment of €3 billion, followed by similar adjustments in each of the budgets for the following two years. The effect of these adjustments will be in the very areas which Senator Fitzgerald has outlined. While the Opposition may take as many pot shots as it likes, it should not be dishonest with the people by saying that things can be better with just a change of faces. We are in a very dangerous situation and it requires people to be honest about how, collectively, we can get out it.