Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That might seem like good news, because we got the deal on the promissory note and on the interest rate.

With regard to sentiment towards Ireland, the Minister said that the attitude taken by many is that Ireland is doing fine. I have heard this from many organisations and from colleagues within the social democratic movement. However, I believe there is an overly optimistic view in the international window as to how Ireland is performing. When one explains the disconnect between individuals and the country, politicians internationally feel we have a lot further to go. Last month, an article in The Economist focused on the level of personal indebtedness that exists throughout Europe and said this would be the next wave that will hit the continent. The article highlighted Ireland as being one of the most personally indebted countries. This factor is being lost on the international community when we are trying to focus on our solution. Is there anything being done to change the current sentiment regarding Ireland or must it be kept positive to try to build confidence all the way?