Dan Boyle (Green Party)

We can argue about whether the problem could have been avoided or its scale reduced. Like most others, I believe that, at best, the latter outcome was possible.

I admit that there is a questioning of trust and that uncertainty has increased. This cannot be allowed to persist because it would call into question the ability of the Government and the basis for being in government. I raise these questions because they are being asked by every citizen and will be asked by those who will come here to assess our economic viability.

Debate in the House should be structured on the basis that Ireland is in a sufficiently strong position to overcome the crisis. We are still in a better economic position that we were in the 1980s when we also overcame our problems. One can take any statistical basis one wishes to compare the problems of the 1980s with those of today, but we need a common acceptance that we can and should get out of the current crisis.

I express my condolences to those affected by yesterday's appalling tragedies in Newcastle West and Midleton which were brought about by lives of desperation. I also support calls made by other speakers to give mental health issues priority and protect expenditure in mental health services in the years ahead, regardless of what other budgetary decisions are made in the coming week.