Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In general, economists tend to make things difficult rather than easy to understand for lay people. Are Mr. O'Sullivan's suggestions a menu or passport for countries at a point in their ordinary economic development, whereas Ireland lost its economic anchorage and international economic credibility? Is this formula applicable to such a country or economy? I ask Mr. O'Sullivan to comment on how he thinks Ireland is restoring itself and recovering from the disease it encountered. Many years ago I worked in England with young guys who had left school at 14 years. We were building roads and tunnels. Many of those concerned are now heading up very successful and large companies in Britain. They never had access to practical supports such as advice and guidance. There must be some other indefinable human characteristics that motivate and drive people and are important in turning them into entrepreneurs. I have often thought about this because I know they never sat down with anyone to be given advice and support because they were not available at the time, yet they emerged as very successful entrepreneurs.

Obviously, there is also something else to the equation. Is Mr. O'Sullivan in a position to identify that or suggest what it might be?