Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all agree there were some fantastic contributions in the House last night on the emergency legislation which had to be enacted. Everybody wants the best possible deal for the country and the word on the wire in the past couple of minutes is that a deal has been done. We all hope it is favourable for the country, that it will ensure resources which are badly required for job creation, about which Senator Mary White spoke so passionately, will be available. I hope that is what will flow from it. Whatever its shape, we are all wearing the green jersey and irrespective of our politics, we all want the best possible outcome for the people. I compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, who gave an outstanding performance in the House. He has been sure-footed throughout the process. He did not panic when others urged him to take this or that route. He maintained a steady course in negotiating on behalf of the nation and I am confident the fruits of his labours will be revealed later in the day. We owe him a debt of gratitude.