Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

I would like to speak without interruption if Senator O'Brien does not mind. While it is natural that I, as a Fine Gael Party member, would do so, I welcome the Taoiseach's decision to tell the nation how bad things are. If this course of action had been taken this time last year, people would have at least had some notion of how bad things were. Instead, we were all left in the dark. We have come a long way since then, although I am aware that is small consolation to families who must deal with difficult financial circumstances. The Government is trying its best to remedy a difficult situation. Other than the statements on the budget scheduled for this evening, I will not trouble the Leader by asking for further debate on the issue.