Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I concur with Senator Donohoe regarding the approach which is now necessary. This House has been debating the country's economic plight effectively, albeit perhaps without conclusion, over recent months and these debates must continue. I look forward to the Leader attempting to initiate a fuller debate during the week. As I have said previously, the politics of the blame game are now totally irrelevant. The blame game provides short-term satisfaction, but it does not supply long-term solutions. The Irish public has made up its mind about the dreadful mistakes made by the Government. All of us must work together to provide hope for the economic future of this country. I reiterate that as a society, we must develop as much consensus as possible to ensure a financial framework can be put in place in the December budget that will allow this country at least to begin the process of recovery.

I am concerned by the tone of what some people have said about the EU. This is not the time for a "little Irelander" approach to politics or to Ireland's place and role in Europe. While we may have some difficulties with certain European decision-making, it should be borne in mind that Ireland, as a free and independent country, would not have enjoyed the economic success of the past 25 or 30 years without the support of the EU. We must work with Europe to try to work our way out of our current economic plight. The Oireachtas needs to be given sufficient time and space to debate the economic options we face. Solutions can and will be found. They have been found previously. We need to debate the options we face in advance of the December budget with the Minister for Finance and the other Ministers who are responsible for economic matters. We have a duty to try to instil and demonstrate confidence. We need a more substantive debate at the earliest opportunity.