asked the Minister for Finance if in addition to the recently imposed hire purchase restrictions the Government are contemplating any further measures to deal with the rapidly deteriorating financial situation; and if he will indicate the nature of such measures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Situation.
79.
I do not agree with the suggestion that the economic situation is rapidly deteriorating. As I have already pointed out to Deputies in reply to a number of questions, certain economic indicators, combined with the con-February tinuing pressure for excessive income increases, have necessitated a moderate tightening of hire purchase and instalment credit controls. The Government will continue to watch the situation and will take any further action necessary. It would not be in the public interest to speculate on the nature of such action, if any, that may be needed.
Would the Minister not agree that if the Government, rather than go out to win an election, had taken minor corrective measures last March the country would now be spared the serious economic situation it is facing?
I think the Deputy is mislead if he thinks minor economic measures can be taken by a Government in a free democracy to control the economy. I think our handling of the economy was the only possible handling in a free democracy——
To win an election.
This talk of minor measures taken at a certain time, as I said during the election, is silly talk.
To quote the words of a famous Irishman "What went wrong?".
(Interruptions.)
You threw everything at us in the election and you did not win. Do not blame the economy.
Look at your back bench up there — that is what went wrong.
(Interruptions.)
You threw everything at us—corruption, Criminal Justice Bill, the whole blooming lot and it got you nowhere.
Look behind you; that is what went wrong. Too many doctors.
Order. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.