Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am heartened to hear the words of Senator Fitzgerald. At a time of economic, civic and political turmoil and instability, we are standing on the edge of a financial abyss. I agree with the Taoiseach's point of view that we need to pass a budget, publish a four-year plan and get through the wedge of financial activity that must be engaged in in the next two months. It is a lot to ask of Fine Gael and the Labour Party, but let us recognise that our future is in their hands and they could bring down the Government should they wish to do so. What Senator Fitzgerald said is correct: in the interests of the country, we need to move forward with the budgetary process. The budget should go through. In this regard, the Taoiseach has a responsibility not just to lift the telephone and contact the leaders of the Opposition parties but also to open the books in a completely open and trusting manner and allow the other parties to see what is happening and engage with the process in order that at least there will be no surprises on budget day. Once the budget has been passed and the four-year plan published, we will at least be moving forward.

Having done a deal last week with the IMF and the European authorities, we need to make it work. Our immediate economic future is tied to that agreement and I do not want to see it corrupted or perverted by a delay in passing the budget. I support the proposal of Fine Gael that the budget be introduced early, if that can be done — the sooner the better. We must recognise the challenge to Fine Gael and the Labour Party. The Government should appreciate and acknowledge the fact that if the budget is passed, it will be thanks to the Opposition parties. I ask that Members on the Opposition side do not allow their judgment to be impaired by the attraction of the prospect of succeeding to high office very soon. We have only a month or two at most to wait. We should get through the next couple of weeks and then get on with things. I am worried about the consequences for the economic future of the country were we to delay or defeat the budget at this time.