Mark Dearey (Green Party)

There is no sign that the Opposition understands just how critical is the current situation. There is a huge gulf on consensus on that issue. This is an absolutely critical situation. Our public deficit is running at €19 billion per annum and this has to be borrowed. This means the markets have to place some faith in this country so we fill that enormous gap. This requires us to believe in ourselves.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government stepped out last week and tried to seek some form of consensus. The response from the Opposition has been depressing.