Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These have been a difficult few days, which reflects where we are at. We are in a terrible financial position. While confidence is improving, as are our international standing and reputation, Ireland continues to be a programme country, which is reflected in the deficit. We are making decisions today which are the result of bad decisions made in the past. These are the facts. We are carrying debts forward. A number of recommendations have been made in the House which it would be good to see adopted, as we do not want to be here this time next year saying the same things. As a reformer, I ask the Minister to consider bringing these suggestions to the social protection committee, as well as the House. I commend her for the publication of the Mangan report and a range of choices as early as possible in the new year. That is the way forward and if we debate them, we will have a stake in them. We could not then give out to the Minister this time next year.

If we all debate them we will all have a stake in them and then we cannot give out to the Minister this time next year because that is what is happening.

If we continue to exist within the straitjacket of the programme for Government and the Croke Park agreement we will find ourselves back here. That also needs to be noted.