Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He would have got another gold medal for his dramatic performance last night. It is no wonder he is so hoarse this morning.

Senator Kelly correctly highlighted the fuel rebate for the haulage sector, which is welcome. I know of no one who has not welcomed this measure in the budget. It is important to the entire transport sector.

I refer to Senator Cullinane's comments. There were cuts in many areas in this budget, which we would not like to make in normal times but these are not normal times and the Government was elected to sort out the fiscal problems of the country. We will do that and we will go confidently to the people and ask them for a mandate for the future. This Government is in office for five years. We have done a great deal of the heavy lifting and, over the next few years, we will achieve growth in the economy and secure a deal on our debt. This country will prosper, despite the reservations of others, including Opposition Members, who do not want the country to prosper and the Government to succeed.