TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen supported the continuation of social partnership, but warned against sectional interests taking precedence.
The Government recognised, he said, the effectiveness of decisions taken in the interests of the people was greatly enhanced when they took place in the context of a broader understanding and a co-ordinated approach.
"To that end, I want to make it clear that the Government believes that a renewed consensus in a new partnership agreement is in the best interests of this nation," said Mr Cowen.
"At the same time, it is necessary to caution against sectional interests being elevated above those of the whole community." He said it was incumbent on every one to make compromises to ensure Ireland emerged undamaged from the difficult global environment it found itself in.
"But I should be absolutely clear that, within the framework of democratic accountability, I will never abdicate my responsibility to take decisions that are in the best interests of the Irish people," he added.
Mr Cowen said that the Government had sought to prioritise those areas of spending that contributed most to the State's capacity to weather the storm and to respond promptly and strongly to the emergence of more benign international conditions.
"Equally, we are giving priority to those who are most vulnerable and most dependent on public spending programmes," he added. "That means that everything else has to be a lower priority. Again, we make no apology for that."
Mr Cowen renewed his criticism of those he claimed were talking down the economy. He said the vitality, ingenuity and hard work of the people had made Ireland one of the world's most remarkable economic successes.
"Irish people deserve all the success they have achieved and I am determined to do my best to ensure that the citizens of this country continue to prosper," he added. "Those intent on talking down our economy, at a time when we want to maintain confidence in this country, against the background of a general global economic downturn, diminish themselves and their cause."
Opening the economic debate, Mr Cowen appealed to TDs to be constructive in their comments and "not to take the soft option of simply playing partisan politics with our economic prospects".
Earlier, at Opposition leaders' questions, the Taoiseach said the "fair deal" nursing home scheme, financing long-term care, could only come into place when it had a proper legal footing.
He said the Attorney General was drafting legislation that would address the matter. "In the meantime, the Minister for Health is providing for an enhanced provision of €12 million to deal with the issue," he added.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said many people were concerned about elderly family members who might fall and break a limb, thus requiring nursing home care.
Mr Cowen said 80 per cent of day-to-day expenditure was in health, education and social welfare. "However, economies have to be made and money must be reallocated, while keeping the overall spending limit for this year at what we intended," he added.
"Because of the deteriorating economic situation, where we have increased allocations to provide in areas over and above what was projected, money must be re-allocated within the overall Government spend." Mr Cowen said that the critique from Fine Gael was that the Government was not doing sufficient in that area.
"The bottom line is that this must be dealt with in a way that will seek to minimise the impact on frontline services," he added.
