I am often exasperated listening to my colleagues on the other side of the House. Fianna Fáil has always managed to put the party's interests ahead of the country's.

Absolutely not. We would not be where we are if we did.

Senator Gilroy without interruption.

Three times in the history of the State, we have seen how Fianna Fáil almost bankrupted the country and finally on its fourth attempt it managed to do just that.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I have indeed.

It better be good then.

It is remarkable then when one sees the amnesia affecting the Opposition with regard to its own incompetency and misgovernment.

Talk about amnesia. The Senator was once a member of Fianna Fáil for years.

Senator Gilroy without interruption.

The Opposition makes general and supportive noises towards the most populist arguments. We must remember it was a Fianna Fáil Government that reduced public servants' pay by 14%. We did not hear much of a complaint out of the Members opposite then.

We agreed the Croke Park agreement.

Did Fianna Fáil reduce public servants' pay by 14%?

Who set up the redress board?

Has Senator Gilroy a question for the Leader?

We increased social welfare by 300%.

A Chathaoirligh, the Senator is being provocative. You should prevent that.