The Taoiseach defended the Government's Book of Estimates during sharp exchanges with the Opposition.
Mr Ahern said what worried him most was that the 600,000 jobs the Government had created through its fiscal policies be maintained, and "that people would still have a quality of life which would enable them to keep working and have disposable income so they could continue to play a real part in this country". The Government did not want to go back to 17 per cent unemployment and high emigration.
Earlier, Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said the people had been deceived "to the point where Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats are back in government, the financial situation and management of the country is in a complete shambles and people are frustrated, disappointed and angry at what has happened and by statements coming from the Taoiseach and his Ministers."
The Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, asked the Taoiseach if his backbenchers were too embarrassed to come into the House.
"Which of the cuts embarrass the Taoiseach most? Is it the refusal to raise the eligibility for medical cares and keep his promise to give 200,000 additional people a medical card? Is it his failure to agree the refurbishment programme for dilapidated and run-down primary schools? Is it the scrapping of 5,000 jobs on the community employment scheme and the abolition of 41 per cent supports for FÁS and a similar cut in the IDA Ireland budget? Is it the postponement of Luas for 12 months?
