Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I look forward to the debates requested by Senator MacSharry. We should add a fifth pillar to the four issues he has proposed for debate, namely, discussion of growth options and job opportunities. While cuts are one part of the measures that must be taken, we must also focus on incentives, growth and hope. The House will shortly debate tourism, one of the sectors in which progress could be made. Agriculture is another such sector. I ask the Leader to provide time to discuss positive aspects of the economy.

On the broader question, on which most of our colleagues are commenting and reflecting, the brutal reality is that if, on a specific date next year, the Government does not have the capacity to borrow up to €20 billion, old age pensions will not be paid, nurses will be sent home from hospital wards, teachers will lose their jobs and the country will shut down. Will we have the capacity in the next two or three months to secure loans of approximately €20 billion from the international banks? It is essential that we attempt to reach the borrowing targets we have agreed with the European Commission. If we do not set the 3% figure in stone, we will not have international credibility and will be unable to borrow money to keep the country ticking over.

I admit the choices facing us are dreadful. To describe our position as a Hobson's choice is to understate the scale of the problem. Senator Norris was correct when he reflected on 1916. If we do not get our economic house in order by 2016, this country will no longer be an independent republic but a province of the International Monetary Fund.

Debates in the House will be useful. I take on board Senator Alex White's comments but I am not interested in listening to the Minister next week. I want to hear colleagues on all sides present their views and options because we have constructive, workable proposals to make. The House has shown that it has a role to play and I hope it will build on that role next week. I ask the Leader to arrange the four discussions requested by Senator MacSharry as well as a fifth debate on growth strategies for sectors of the economy from which employment and hope can spring.